Public sector unions demand rights and reforms across Asia 

A coalition of public sector unions and civil society organisations issued a series of resolutions, in Kathmandu, Nepal, last week, calling for sweeping reforms in labour rights, public services, and democratic governance across East and Southeast Asia. The resolutions, adopted last week at the Asia Pacific conference of Public Services International, a federation of worker unions, highlight the shared struggles of workers in Korea, Japan, Indonesia, Myanmar, the Philippines, and broader South Asia. 

Among the resolutions passed were a number pertaining to Korea, on urging the government to guarantee collective bargaining rights for all public sector employees, demanding the National Assembly immediately pass the Public Renewables Act, emphasising the role of public-sector management in this critical sector; health care reform was another subject. The unions demanded that the National Health Insurance Service fulfill its promise to return customer service operations in-house, reverse outsourcing trends and ensure that health-related public services remain accountable, transparent. 

With reference to labour rights in Japan, delegates called for basic protections for civil servants and advocated for firefighters’ right to organise, with a view to expanding union representation within the Japanese public sector.

Delegates also expressed solidarity with Myanmar’s pro-democracy movement and passed resolutions condemning ongoing repression and called for international support in restoring democratic institutions and human rights in Myanmar. An emergency resolution also called for the restoration of order and democratic rights in Nepal, where the conference was held.  

Indonesia was highlighted, advocating for a worker-centered new labour law and pushing for a public pathway in the nation’s energy transition.  

A call was made for broader regional cooperation, for unions across the region to work together and share their experiences and success stories. The International Labour Organization, was also exhorted to partner with public service unions to advance labour rights and social justice across South Asia. 

Filipino unions also received support in their campaign against the privatisation of local water districts, reinforcing the call for quality public utilities that prioritise people over profit.