This has been an exciting year for Burma with impressive steps being taken towards democracy and a market economy. Whether it will actually achieve real democracy is an issue which is the subject of intense speculation. UnionAID, as one of the few New Zealand organisations with established links and projects in Burma, has been exploring the steps we can take to assist the process of democratic development. It is for that reason that this issue of Solidarity is focused on our work in that fascinating country.Burma report

1. Burma Report
2. New UnionAID project in Burma
3. No change for Burmese workers
4. Education for a better future: NZ unions making a difference
5. Getting safely to school: NZ transport unions fund the ‘ferry’
6. Cooking up a storm in Mae Sot
7. Montessori methods boosted by ASSA support
8. Burma Young Community Leaders Programme still at risk?
9. Congratulations to our iRaffle winners

Following a recent UnionAID training workshop in Auckland a very keen action group has been established in Auckland.

If you would like to know more contact Karen Newson karenn@nzctu.org.nz

From mid June UnionAID Chair Ross Wilson will be working in Burma with the International Labour Organisation for a year leading a project to help workers (and employers) to exercise the right to organise in unions, restored after fifty years. He will continue to take a close interest in UnionAID and will be on the spot to assess new project opportunities there.

Don’t miss UnionAID’s new South Indian photo exhibition

Standing Tall

Stunning photos of Dalit and Tribal workers from the Tamil Nadu Labour Union project

Supported by UnionAID

12^th –  25^th March

De Luxe cafe

Next to Embassy Theatre, Kent Terrace, Wellington

Supported by UnionAID

The sixth issue of Solidarity, the newsletter of the Unions Aotearoa International Development Trust, is available below. This issue introduces new projects in Sri Lanka and the Pacific, as well as updates on ongoing projects in Tamil Nadu and Mae Sot.

1. New Projects in Sri Lanka, Mae Sot and the Pacific
2. Worker co-operatives: Tamil Nadu Labour Union leads the way
3. Meeting our fundraising target!
4. Raffle ticket winners
5. Getting skills for work
6. Notes from the Field: Update on Mae Sot Project
7. Online database a first for Tamil Nadu project
8. Comment
9. UnionAID cookbook