New order to protect worker rights
Editor's note: More than 300 delegates from trade unions in 79 countries and regions participated in the 2010 International Forum on Economic Globalization and Trade Unions held in Beijing between Feb 25 and 26, exchanging insights on the role of trade unions amid the global crisis.
Since its founding in 2004, the event jointly launched by the organizations including the All China Federation of Trade Unions (ACFTU), the World Federation of Trade Unions (WFTU), the Organization of African Trade Union Unity (OATUU) and the International Confederation of Arab Trade Unions (ICATU) has taken place five times in Beijing and Shanghai. The following are some of the views presented at the latest session.
Since 2004, the International Forum on Economic Globalization and Trade Unions has become a platform for greater interaction and understanding among trade unions in various countries.
In the face of the new order in international economic development in the post-financial crisis world our discussion on the issue of employment crisis and sustainable development to tackle the new challenges and seek solutions is of significance to increase exchange and cooperation between trade unions, maintain workers' interests and promote the healthy recovery and balanced growth of the global economy.
The Chinese government has maintained the policy of giving equal weight to both people and economic growth.
During the financial crisis, trade unions around the world rallied to protect workers' rights and promote economic recovery, largely minimizing the impact on workers' benefits.
Post-crisis, the common problem for everyone is how to change the old economic development model to one which can bring about employment, a stable yet vibrant economic model, developing the green economy and circular economy so as to have a comprehensive, stable and sustainable development of the world economy.
China is a developing country with a huge population. Presently, China is exploring a new path for industrialization.
The All China Federation of Trade Unions (ACFTU) fully supports this effort. At the same time, we advocate the following:
Promoting sustainable development. Trade unions in the world should support their country's initiatives to go green as part of the common pursuit and goal of the international community, while effectively managing policies and efforts to fulfill their responsibilities.
Protecting employment rights. Trade unions in the world should drive the international community to pursue the strategy of using employment as the basis for economic recovery.
Improving the social security system. Apart from being a social safety net, social security is also an important mechanism for improving social cohesion, providing a base for workers' rights, economic and social growth.
Promoting greater understanding and mutual respect. The international financial crisis made us realize that cooperation and exchanges between the trade unions of the world are essential to solving the problems economic globalization has brought about.
Provided by ACFTU
(China Daily 03/16/2010 page16)
