PM Khai urges expanded role for labour unions
HA NOI (March 18, 2003) — Prime Minister Phan Van Khai has asked the Viet Nam General Confederation of Labour to set the example for productivity among State employees as the nation prepares for economic integration.
In a meeting with the labour movement’s peak body, Khai applauded the way the confederation’s activities had complied with Party and State policies.
He also praised the confederation’s frugality and close collaboration with State and grassroots organs to resolve disputes between workers and employers.
The prime minister said that many non-State organisations still lack trade unions and there remain outstanding disputes between labour and management.
The authorities must work with trade unions to ensure that business law is followed and worker rights are protected, he said.
He also said that workers need to be more aware of the law. With over 4 million members, he said, the labour movement must strengthen its public awareness campaigns and embody lawfulness and the fight against social evils, crime and traffic accidents.
Confederation President Cu Thi Hau informed the meeting of the organisation’s operations in 2002 and its plans for the current year.
She said trade unions play a key role in workplace education campaigns, such as those promoting skilled labour, creative labour and
applications of technology. Hau said that this year, the confederation would focus on strengthening working-class development and encouraging workers to implement Government policies such as State-owned enterprise reform, administrative and wage reform and social and labour insurance.
The confederation would also seek to ensure workers practise thrift and fight against waste, authoritarian bureaucracy and smuggling, she said. — VNS
