White House says US teaming with Japan, Denmark to promote labor rights in Myanmar

Nov. 14, 2014: U.S. President Barack Obama tours the Secretariat Building with Than Myint, Founder and President of Yangon Heritage Trust (AP)

YANGON, Myanmar – The U.S. is teaming with Japan and Denmark to try to improve labor conditions in Myanmar, where poor conditions for workers have long been a concern.

The White House says the three countries will launch an initiative with the International Labor Organization aimed at reforming Myanmar's labor laws over a number of years. The goal is to get business, labor groups and government institutions cooperating.

The White House says the U.S. will pay for a labor law expert to advise Myanmar's government on reforming its laws. The three countries also are inviting other nations and organizations to join the effort.

The U.S. is announcing the initiative on the last day of President Barack Obama's trip to Myanmar. Obama is encouraging Myanmar to keep pursuing democratization despite recent setbacks.