The Vietnam General Confederation of Labour (VGCL) and the American Federation of Labour and Congress of Industrial Organisations (AFL-CIO) have agreed to enhance cooperation and protect guest workers in the respective markets. 

VGCL President Bui Van Cuong and and AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka agree to enhance cooperation between the two agencies

The consensus was reached by VGCL President Bui Van Cuong and and AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka during the Vietnamese official’s visit to the US from September 18-21. 

They also consented to intensify the exchange of experience in trade union activities and capacity improvement for trade union officials. 

Cuong told his host that the VGCL prioritises looking after the material and spiritual lives of trade union members and ensuring their welfare, building a harmonious, stable and progressive working environment in businesses, creating stable, sustainable jobs with satisfactory incomes and improving capacity of trade union organisations. 

Trumka said the AFL-CIO has 12 million members and more than half of them work in public service sectors such as education, health care, electricity and water.

He said wages and working conditions are among issues the AFL-CIO has paid due attention to. 

Following the meeting, Cuong met with representatives of trade unions of food-trade, steel and auto manufacturing sectors of the US. 

While in the US, he also visited the AFL-CIO’s Solidarity Centre and met with representatives of several agencies such as the US Agency for International Development (USAID), the Department of State and the Department of Labour. 

The two sides exchanged information regarding labourers and trade unions in each country.

The US agencies were interested in efforts made by Vietnam and the VGCL in amending the Labour Code. 

Cuong said the VGCL has participated in building, amending and supplementing laws relating to labourers and trade unions.

VNA