Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung has asked the Vietnam General Confederation of Labour (VGCL) to better perform its role in improving employees’ living conditions and protecting their legitimate rights.

 

At a working session with the VGCL Presidium in Hanoi on June 2, Mr Dung noted that the VGCL has worked closely with the government and local administrations in recent times to finalise labour laws and implement policies for workers.

 

He said that despite numerous difficulties, including the global economic turmoil, natural disasters and epidemics, Vietnam has achieved a high economic growth rate, maintained the macro economic stability, reined in runaway inflation and ensured social welfare. He partly attributed the achievements to significant contributions made by Trade Union organisations and workers.

 

He acknowledged Trade Union organisations’ efforts to liase with grassroots-level administrations and socio-political organisations in carrying out diverse activities to improve workers’ living conditions.

 

VGCL representatives proposed that the VGCL receive more funds to generate jobs for laid-off workers, and develop housing for workers at industrial parks and low-income earners in urban areas. They also asked the government to amend the list of careers and policies for employees working in hazardous areas to better protect employees’ interests.

 

In response, Mr Dung said he will ask relevant ministries and agencies to study and offer incentives on housing, including the creation of a land fund for businesses to build houses for workers. He also requested the designated agencies and the VGCL to develop a model under which the capital support fund will disburse loans to help poor workers train and generate jobs themselves.

 

The PM asked Trade Union organisations to deal properly with labour disputes and strikes and increase investment in vocational training.

 

“The quality of vocational training should be improved to keep pace with socio-economic development,” said Mr Dung.

 

VGCL President Dang Ngoc Tung said over the past years Trade Union organisations have played an important role in dealing with labour disputes and strikes, as well as helping stabilise labour relations and production at grassroots level. As a result, the number of labour disputes in 2009 fell significantly compared to 2008.

 

(VOV)