On 09 August 2025 the Independent Federation of Myanmar Seafarers (IFOMS) celebrated the opening of its new headquarters in Bangkok, Thailand.
The Independent Federation of Myanmar Seafarers (IFOMS), an affiliate of the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) was established in June 2014 as a democratic, transparent organisation to represent the interests of Myanmar seafarers and protect their rights.
This was a period of optimism, and the union made significant progress in fighting against the exploitation of seafarers and establishing itself as a reliable partner in the maritime sector.
Sadly, this period was short lived, the 2021 coup d’etat in Myanmar deposed the elected government resulting in ongoing civil war and violence. Many international firms pulled out of Myanmar, including shipping companies and their agents. With tens of thousands of Myanmar seafarers working in international trade the continued existence of a trustworthy, independent union is critical; the struggle to prevent the exploitation of Myanmar seafarers is more acute that ever.
Since its inception IFOMS has handled cases of over 700 seafarers, recovering more than US$10.3 million in unpaid wages.
Aung Kaw Linn, IFOMS GS paid tribute to the solidarity and assistance that the union had received over the years from the ITF, the ITF Seafarers’ Trust and maritime unions from around the world. He also thanked the representatives of SERCF – the Thai trade union foundation that has facilitated the establishment of the new IFOMS structure in Bangkok.
Scott McDine, ITF Asia Pacific Regional Secretary announced that the ITF is committed to putting further resources into IFOMS and supporting the strengthening of organising programmes in the region.
ENDS
Note to editors
In November 2015 the National League for Democracy led by Aung San Suu Kyi won a landslide victory in the first national elections to take place since 2011 when a military backed government civilian government replaced military rule.
On 01 February 2021 the Tatmadaw, Myanmar’s military establishment, overthrew the democratically elected government replacing it with a military junta creating a state of emergency.
