What do you think of the Lao Federation of Trade Unions’ achievements over the past 66 years?

To mark the 66th anniversary of the Lao Federation of Trade Unions (1/2/1956 to 1/2/2022), Vientiane Times ask members of the public for their assessment of the work of the federation and what it should aim for in the future.

Ms Soupavady, a businesswoman in Vientiane: It’s clear to me that workers, under the guidance of the federation, have enhanced their political attributes, are more disciplined in the workplace and are better educated. Workers have constantly developed their skills along with the development of the country and continue to exhibit a strong sense of responsibility in carrying out their duties. Some trade union members have been elected to important positions, at the central and local levels, and some have become managers at factories and companies. This shows that the federation plays an important role in political, economic, social and cultural aspects of society, which has been recognised by many countries and international organisations.
 
Mr Vongsith Chanthaphon, a government official in Luang Prabang province: I think the Lao Federation of Trade Unions is a very important entity because it works to protect and train workers. Without it, the rights of workers might not be protected and improved. I would like to congratulate the federation on its great achievements over the past 66 years. It should continue to uphold the rights and interests of members and do more to train workers so that Laos has a more highly skilled workforce and is better equipped to integrate with the rest of the region. It should also do more to explain its role to workers and encourage employers and employees to negotiate fair contracts. And I’m sure that workers are hoping for a wage increase soon because today’s incomes are woefully inadequate given the rising cost of living.
 
Ms Soudachan Thongmanivong, a student at the National University of Laos: The federation protects the rights and benefits of all workers in Laos and provides members, officials and workers with political knowledge and strong guidance. I think this organisation is most important for people just starting out in the workplace. And if employers don’t pay decent wages or treat workers unfairly, it can step in to resolve the problem. I urge more people to become members of the federation, because it can provide opportunities to participate in social movements.
 
Ms Kongkham, a government official in Xaythany district, Vientiane: I think that over the past 66 years the federation has helped workers to broaden their knowledge and improve their skills. It provides training and contributes to state and social development. It can also tackle some of the problems affecting workers, especially in relation to job security. I encourage the federation to inspire solidarity, build democracy, promote various professions, and work towards social equality.
 
Ms Phoutthana, an employee in Vientiane: The trade union federation is important because it helps workers to improve their skills and capacity and tries to ensure work security. It also protects the rights and benefits of all workers. I would like the federation to do more to improve the skills of people working in practical trades so they are better qualified to meet the needs of today’s job market. It should also help workers who have been affected by the Covid-19 pandemic and negotiate a wage increase in order to reduce the number of people working in other countries illegally and curb human trafficking.     

By Lamphone Pasanthong
(Latest Update February 1, 2022)