CC.BY 4.0 Spring Sprouts.
Myanmar Teachers' Federation
On May 28, 2014 the provisional formation of the All Myanmar Teachers' Federation (MTF) took place. The MTF is open for enrollment to all school teachers across Myanmar who are dedicated to teaching. The federation aims to address teachers' concerns and student affairs, with a vision to enhance Myanmar's education system. It was built upon the foundation of the University Teachers' Association (UTA).
During its initial establishment, there were nine (9) executives, 20 organizers, and over 700 members. The first conference occurred on May 2-3, 2015, at Hotel Hazel in Mandalay. On May 3, 2015, the Constitution of the Teachers' Federation was officially ratified. As per Chapter (1), Section (1) of this Constitution, sanctioned the formation of the Myanmar Teachers' Federation, the name was officially adopted to be "Myanmar Teachers’ Federation”.
The second conference of the MTF was held in Bagan, Tango from 8-9, 7, 2017 to 9-7-2017. The third conference of the MTF was held by Zoom on February 28, 2021. On April 27, 2021, a Central Executive Meeting was held, and according to the assembly decision, the executive team had already expired and it was impossible to re-elect a new executive because the conference was not currently available. On April 28, 2021, a committee of 61 executives was announced to be dissolved. Interim intervals with 11 members of the Myanmar Teachers' Association to continue providing assistance to educational staff, and (3) to coordinate with the National Union Government (NUG) during the interim On April 29, 2021, the Central Committee was formed.
MTF strongly condemned the arrests that happened on 1 February 2021, affecting influential political leaders, including the State Counsellor, President, Union Ministers, State and Region Chief Ministers, and Ministers, and student leaders; viewing it as a deviation from the democratic path and the country's progress. On February 7, 2021, MTF urged all teachers and education employees to participate in the Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM) effective from 8th of February 2021. On February 22, 2021, MTF issued a declaration regarding CDM, citing the Civil Services Personnel Law's provisions in Chapter (4), Article (10), emphasizing concern for state interests and respect for citizens. On March 31, 2021, MTF announced full support for the Federal Democracy Charter and pledged allegiance to the administration of the National Unity Government. MTF participated in forming the Education Cooperation Committee on 20 December 2021, uniting with other organizations such as the General Strike Committee for Basic/Higher Education (GSCBHE), Representative Committee of University Teachers' Associations (RC of UTAs), Basic Education Workers' Union Strike Committee (BEWU-Sc), Basic Education Education Staff General Strike Committee (BEGSC), and Technological Teachers' Federation (TTF).
The Spring Revolution First Anniversary CDM Education Staff Conference on January 25-26, 2022 through the cooperation between MTF and Federal Education Cooperation Network. On March 27, 2022, it was declared that the CDM Movement and Strggle Advancement Cooperation Committee had been established to amplify CDM activities through collaboration with education and health CDM forces, and to promote coordination amongst like minded organizations to increase support for the needs of CDMers.
On August 24, 2022, MTF, part of the Federal Democratic Education Cooperation Network (FDECN), joined the black ribbon movement to denounce prison violence, extrajudicial killings, and the death penalty against political prisoners, as an act of solidarity with the in prison struggles. On January 11, 2023, a joint statement was issued with partner organizations, urging the timely approval of the CDM Policy.
MTF is also a member organization of the National Unity Consultative Council (NUCC).
References
1. https://www.facebook.com/people/Myanmar-Teachers-Federation/100066260394798/