Addressing the 10^th congress of the Vietnam Trade Union which opened in Hanoi on November 3, Mr Manh praised the trade unions and workers for their intense activities and achievements as well as significant contributions to national development over the past five years.

He asked the trade unions to pay careful attention to the workers’ moods and aspirations and strictly monitor the employers’ enforcement of laws and policies for the workers so as to protect their legitimate interests and rights. At the same time, he asked the unions to help to promote the right of workers to democracy in production and business activities.

Dang Ngoc Tung, President of the Vietnam General Confederation of Labour, emphasised the significance of the congress, saying it is being held after the recent Party Central Committee issued a resolution on building the Vietnamese working class in the process of industrialisation and modernisation. 

However, according to Mr Tung, workers and trade union organisations have not yet kept pace with the country’s requirements for rapid economic development in the new era. Job losses and unsteady jobs have been seen in all economic sectors. Labour relations have become more complicated while capabilities of trade union officials remain limited. Several officials have not shown their devotion and responsibility towards trade union activities. 

In the next five years, Mr Tung said the trade union will continue to renew the organisational structure and operational methods, targeting grassroots-level trade unions, to better perform its role in protecting the workers’ legitimate interests and rights, and build harmonious labour relations.

By 2013, the trade union aims to admit 1.5 million new members, and 70 percent of businesses will establish trade union organisations, attracting 60 percent of their workers. It strives to train around 70 percent of the workers, reduce the numbers of serious labour accidents and occupational illnesses, and purchase social insurance for at least 65 percent of workers.

During the three-day event, nearly 1,000 delegates representing more than 6 million trade union members will discuss reports and elect a new executive board comprised of 165 members.