Britain's largest trade union has awarded an honorary membership to Burmese democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi.

In a press release Thursday, UNISON president Pauline Grant presented the honorary membership on behalf of the union's 1.3  million members in recognition of Aung San Suu Kyi's fight for democracy in Burma.

Ms. Grant called Burma "one of the most brutal military dictatorships in the world."

She called on the British government to do all in its power to end the regime in Burma by imposing strict economic sanctions.

The UNISON leader says it is her hope that Aung San Suu Kyi would soon be able to except the award in person.