Hanoi (VNA) - As many as 947 delegates representing over 10 millionmembers of all-level trade unions nationwide on September 24 gathered in Hanoifor the 12th Congress of the Vietnam GeneralConfederation of Labour (VGCL).

This is a major political event, a big festival of theworking class and trade union organisations of Vietnam which determinesimportant issues related to employees and trade union activities in the next fiveyears.

TheCongress held a minute’s silence to rememberPresident Tran Dai Quang, who passed away on September 21 in Hanoi.

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

Speaking at the opening ceremony, President of the 11th VGCL Bui Van Cuonghighlighted Vietnam’s economic development over the past five year with theeconomy’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, contributingsignificantly and directly to the nation’s development, he said.

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

The organisations’ activities have focused on giving practical benefits to unionmembers and labourers, he said, adding that trade union organisations are constantlygrowing, promoting their role as trustworthy representatives of the labourforce, a strong supporter of the Party, and a bridge between the Party and Statewith labourers.

The position of  trade unions in societyhas been improved, Cuong stressed, noting that  trade union activities and the worker movementhave made important contributions to the country's socio-economic development,strengthening national defense and security, building the strong and pure politicalsystem, thus  increasing the position ofVietnam in the international arena.

He stated that the 12th Congress aims to give objective and comprehensive assessmentof achievements; point out limitations and learn from lessons of the 2013-2018 term,thus defining targets, directions, tasks and solutions of the trade union inthe 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 newExecutive Committee, Cuong said.

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

Previously,the Presidium of the VGCL and the delegates paidtribute to President Ho Chi Minh at his Mausoleum, and offered incenseat the Monument for Heroic Martyrs at Bac Son street.-VNA