The issue of how to improve union capacity in labour negotiations topped a meeting between the Vietnam General Confederation of Labour (VGCL) and a delegation from British Trade Union Friends of Vietnam, held in Hanoi on May 23.

VGCL was represented by its Vice President, Nguyen Hoa Binh, while his guests included David Letcher, member of the Executive Committee of the Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers; Gerald Keith Newson, member of the Executive Committee of the Musicians’ Union; and James Macdonald, member of the Union of Construction, Allied Trades and Technicians, all under the British General Confederation of Trade Unions. They are also members of Trade Union Friends of Vietnam in the United Kingdom .

Hosts and guests shared a view that the capacity of negotiations would help harmonise labour relations.

They also exchanged experiences in taking measures to protect jobs and increase incomes for employees to ensure their living conditions.

In welcoming the British unionists, Binh said such visits will contribute to strengthening relations among trade unions from the two countries, which have been faring well in the recent past.

“May relations between the Vietnam General Confederation of Labour and the British General Confederation of Trade Unions develop further,” said Vietnam ’s senior unionist.

During their stay in Vietnam , the British guests are scheduled to visit some professional and local trade unions./.