12th Vietnam trade union congress kicks off in Hanoi

This is a major political event, a big festival of the working class and trade union organisations of Vietnam which determines important issues related to employees and trade union activities in the next five years.

The Congress held a minute’s silence to remember President Tran Dai Quang, who passed away on September 21 in Hanoi.

In the opening session, the Congress voted to elect 30 members to the Presidium, five to the Secretariat and nine others to the Examination Board. The Congress approved the work programme and its regulations, and reported the results of verification of the status of delegates.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, President of the 11th VGCL Bui Van Cuong highlighted Vietnam’s economic development over the past five year with the economy’s improved scale and macro-economic stability

A number of new representative rights of the trade union have been established, while many legitimate interests of employees have been concretised, he said.

The contingent of labourers continues to develop in both quantity and quality, contributing significantly and directly to the nation’s development, he said.

He hailed great efforts made by trade union organisations at all levels in overcoming difficulties and challenges, in innovating their operations and in devising new policies and solutions to basically complete objectives and tasks set forth at the 11th Congress.

The organisations’ activities have focused on giving practical benefits to union members and labourers, he said, adding that trade union organisations are constantly growing, promoting their role as trustworthy representatives of the labour force, a strong supporter of the Party, and a bridge between the Party and State with labourers.

The position of  trade unions in society has been improved, Cuong stressed, noting that  trade union activities and the worker movement have made important contributions to the country's socio-economic development, strengthening national defense and security, building the strong and pure political system, thus  increasing the position of Vietnam in the international arena.

He stated that the 12th Congress aims to give objective and comprehensive assessment of achievements; point out limitations and learn from lessons of the 2013-2018 term, thus defining targets, directions, tasks and solutions of the trade union in the next five years.

The Congress also reviews the leadership of the 11th VGCL’s Executive Committee; make amendments and supplements to the Trade Union Charter; and elect a new Executive Committee, Cuong said.

During the opening session, delegates were delivered with a report reviewing the leadership and direction of the Executive Committee of the 11th VGCL and reports on amendments and supplements to the Charter of the Vietnam Trade Union; and discuss this content.

Previously, the Presidium of the VGCL and the delegates paid tribute to President Ho Chi Minh at his Mausoleum, and offered incense at the Monument for Heroic Martyrs at Bac Son street.