Economic Globalization and Labor Union International Forum Opens

Chinese president Hu Jintao has called on labor unions around the world to join hands in promoting the health development of economic globalization, and to make the growth of economy beneficial to all people.

The president made the call at the opening ceremony of an international forum on Economic Globalization and Labor Union in Beijing.

Reporter:

Hu Jintao said the forum is important for the labor unions around the world to develop mutual understanding and cooperate with each other.

The theme of the forum is "sustainable development, decent work and function of labor union", which is believed to be the major concerns of workers and labor unions globally.

Hu Jintao said the theme is in accordance with fundamental interests and common will of the workers. And he said labor unions can be very helpful to achieve this.

"Sustainable development and decent work should be viewed in the context of economic globalization, which brings the world not only rare opportunities, but also severe challenges. All the labor unions should work together to promote health development of economic globalization, and make the growth of world economy beneficial to all people."

Hu Jintao also underscored the significance of decent work. It refers to productive work in which rights are protected, which generates an adequate income, with adequate social protection. It also means sufficient work, in the sense that all should have full access to income-earning opportunities.

Hu Jintao said it's the requirement of a people-oriented society, and also the important content of the respect and protection of human rights.

"Labor union should serve the workers. And it should be committed to improving their working conditions, income, protection at workplaces and living qualities, and let all the workers especially those in the developing countries share the fruit of the economic and social development."

Wang Zhaoguo, president of All China Federation of Trade Union also addressed the forum.

"Chinese labor union adheres to the development of harmonious labor relations, and attaches great importance to solving problems that workers concern most."

Over 60 labor union leaders from China, India, Cuba, Mexico, Argentina, and Portugal, attended the two-day forum.

From 2004, three such forums have been organized by All China Federation of Trade Union and other international and regional labor unions.