In accordance with new commitments of the Transpacific Partnership (TPP), workers can establish and join labor unions independent from the Vietnam General Confederation of Labour. This was affirmed by Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dzung during the National Assembly’s Q&A session yesterday.
Responding to questions about labor issues in the TPP, Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dzung emphasized that the TPP is a new-generation free trade agreement, and thus it includes labor regulations. As such, workers can establish or join labor unions independent from the Confederation of Labour
According to the TPP and ILO, Vietnam and TPP member countries must respect and ensure workers’ rights in establishing and joining labor unions at their place of work. Such unions can choose to be part of the Confederation of Labour, or operate independently after registering with an authorized government office. This must be conducted in a transparent and lawful manner.
Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung also highlighted that the TPP and ILO require all labor organizations to follow the Constitution and law of their host countries, and are prohibited from holding activities that threaten national or social security. They are also banned from activities that go beyond their missions and charter operations as registered with government agencies.
