STUC Visits China

Following the visit of representatives of the ACFTU ( All China Federation of Trade Unions) to STUC Annual Congress in April 2009, the STUC received an invitation from the ACFTU to visit China. A delegation of senior members of the STUC General Council visited China from 17-22 January, 2010.

The aim of the visit was to enhance mutual understanding between the STUC and ACFTU; to discuss possible future co-operation between both organisations; and learn about China’s development.

The ACFTU attaches special importance to developing international exchange and cooperation and pursue the principle of independence, mutual respect, seeking common ground despite differences, strengthening cooperation and promoting friendship.

While recognising the size of the Chinese economy (currently the second largest in the world), its export performance (China is currently the world’s largest exporter) and its increasing influence on the global economy and potentially the Scottish economy, the STUC delegation wanted to raise issues of Human Rights, Employment Rights and the role and relationship of the trade unions to government.

The ACFTU emphasises that China is a developing economy, which faces a number of considerable challenges in achieving the objective of its government and of the trade union movement of establishing the first socialist market economy.

The report addresses some acute issues in developing relations with China, which the STUC will take forward. See the full report at http://www.unison-scotland.org.uk/international/chinareport2010.pdf