News

On the invitation of the Laos Federation of Trade Union (LFTU), the UNI Apro Regional Secretary, Christopher NG visited Vientiane and Luang Prabang on 21 - 23 July 2010. During the visit, he met with the Vice President of Laos People’s Democratic Republic (Laos P.D.R.), HE Bounnhang Vorachith; the Governor of the Luang Prabang and Deputy Minister of Public Works and Transport, HE Bounheuang Duangphachanh; the President of LFTU, Brother Vongphet Xaykeuyachongtouna and leaders of various trade unions – Trade Union of National Bank of Laos, Trade Union of National Authority of Posts and Telecom (NAPT), Trade Union of Assurances Generales du Laos (AGL).

Photo. From left to right: Brother Vongphet (President, LFTU), brother Christopher NG (Regional Secretary, UNI Apro), HE Bounnang Vorachith (Vice President, Laos P.D.R.)

The Regional Secretary briefed the Vice President of Laos P.D.R. about the challenges confronting workers and their trade unions in a global economy and highlighted UNI Apro’s strategies in confronting the challenges. He described UNI Apro’s efforts to develop partnership industrial relations to enable the tripartite partners to work closely and develop common sustainable strategies. He also expressed support to strengthen the trade union movement in Laos P.D.R. through educational and training programs for trade union leaders and trade union officials. The aim is to empower Laos trade unions to be well equipped to tackle the challenges faced in the competitive market economy. Last but not least, he inspired the leadership of Laos P.D.R., especially the trade union leaders by showing his strong belief in the bright future of Laos and the potentials for development. The Vice President of Laos, HE Bounnhang Vorachith, conveyed his high appreciation to UNI Apro for the good will and the strong cooperation with trade unions in Laos. He said Laos P.D.R. will need to open up and learn the experiences from others in the development and he wished for the partnership among all sectors to be developed to bring about prosperity to the people. The Governor of Luang Prabang, HE Bounheuang Duangphachanh expressed the same sentiment following discussions with the UNI Apro Regional Secretary, Christopher NG.

In the several meetings with LFTU and sectoral trade unions, the Regional Secretary pictured clearly the great challenges faced by all trade unions in the ASEAN region due to the ASEAN Economic Integration. Through the discussion, there arises the urgency for trade unions from all visited sectors, starting from trade union leaders to be aware of the potential impacts on workers and to prepare trade unions to take up on new roles and responsibilities, one of which is to enhance the capacity to be an effective and constructive dialogue partner in partnership with the government and the employers to find balance solutions to common shared problems.

The visit brings about new perspectives for both UNI Apro and Laos Trade Unions to engage more in future activities.