Union stresses importance of workers

Vientiane Times
Union stresses importance of workers

Union stresses importance of workers

Workers are among the most important resources Laos relies on as it seeks to leave the UN's list of least developed countries and achieve the Millennium Development Goals in 2020.

Mr Samane Vinhaket ( fifth right ), Lt Gen Duangchay Phichit ( fourth right ), government officials and local people take part in a walk for International Labour Day on Saturday.

Lao Trade Union Vice President Mr Simoun Khounlasy made the statement on Friday in a speech at the National Culture Hall to mark the 124th anniversary of International Labour Day on May 1.

The comment came as people around the world held various activities to mark the important day.

“If workers are actively carrying out their duty, it will help the government to reach these goals. But if workers are weak, we may not reach our target,” Mr Simoun told more than 100 attendees from the union and the Ministry of Information and Culture.

He reviewed the past and present situation of workers in Laos and the background of International Labour Day.

Mr Simoun said Lao workers played an important role in national development. This was evidenced by the fact that 29 percent of the country's income came from the industrial sector in 2009, up from just 5 percent in 1976.

The number of workers throughout the country has risen from 15,000 in 1976 to more than 600,000 at present.