30 May

The EII Pilot Project, a joint effort by the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, and Population and ILO-VZF was launched at the Yadanarbon Supercenter in Chanmyathazi Township of Mandalay.

U Myo Thit, the Mandalay Region Minister for natural Resources, Environmental Conservation and Labour, who representatives from the Amyotha and Pyithu Hluttaws, representatives from Regional Hluttaw, the Director-General of the Social Security Board, U Mg Mg Aye and officials, Ms. Mariana Infante Villarroel and representatives from ILO-VZF, and representatives of businesses and labour associations attended the project launch.

At the event, Regional Minister U Myo Thit spoke about the team effort made by the regional government, concerned departments, and employer and employee associations to bring about convenient transportation, ensure safety in the workplace, better healthcare and job security for workers, good relations between employers and employees, and dispute resolution, according to labour laws.

He also said that if the project is effective, employers and employees alike will depend more on the Social Security Project.
Then, Ms. Mariana Infante Villarroel delivered the keynote speech.

Afterwards, the Director General of the Social Security Board said that their job is to give the insured workers healthcare and to provide compensation in case of poor health, bringing forth a baby, or death, and when salary is lowered or suspended, or when workers are wounded in the workplace, to protect their families from the social and economic burden.

He added that they will test the new project, in collaboration with international experts, in Hlinethaya Township, Yangon and Pyigyidagun Township,Mandalay from 1 January to December-end. He also called for collaboration between employer and employee associations, and officials from township offices for the success of the project.

Then, Ms. Mariana Infante Villarroel explained matters concerning the design of the project, and Director of Social Security Board Daw Than Than Nu detailed the work concerning the EII pilot project.

The event concluded with a question-and-answer session. 

(Translated by Alphonsus)