Trade union in China is democratic, right-defending organization, says African trade union leader

The visiting Zambia Congress of Trade Unions President Leonard Hikaumba said in Xi'anTuesday that the trade union in China is a democratic and effective right-defending organization.

"Before my coming here, the impression I have is that probably the workers in China have no rights. But now I see the workers are free to make decision by themselves, with the help of workers' congress," Hikaumba said.

Hikaumba and other 32 trade union leaders from 16 African countries arrived in China's ancient capital city Xi'an on Monday. They visited a local museum and the world-renowned Terra Cotta Worriers.

They were interested in how trade unions taking part in policy-making process of enterprises and they asked many questions on medical insurance, accident injures, salary as well as restructuring of state-owned enterprises in China.

S.O.Z. Ejiofoh, chief secretary of Nigerian Public Service Trade Union told Xinhua that the workers' congress in China is unique, because most trade unions in other countries do not have the election mechanism which is effective in protecting rights.

He also expressed his hope that the two sides can enhance cooperation to explore new ways to strengthen the role of trade union.

African trade union leaders came to China for attending a seminar on China-Africa trade union cooperation. They will leave here for Shanghai on Thursday.

Source: Xinhua