The Federation of Unions of South Africa (FEDUSA) applauds China’s decision to increase workers’ minimum wages. During his ‘State of the Union’ address this Saturday, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao outlined plans to increase the minimum wage by at least 13 percent a year, or 84 percent over the five years.

While this proposed increase is a step in the right direction, FEDUSA would encourage Chinese authorities to immediately consider ratifying and implementing the following International Labour Organisation (ILO) conventions:

• (87) Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organise
• (98) Right to Organise and Collective Bargaining Convention
• (29) Forced Labour Convention
• (105) Abolition of Forced Labour Convention

“The right to collectively organise and bargain is a fundamental human right and should be recognised as such,” said FEDUSA General Secretary, Dennis George.

FEDUSA has established a long standing relationship with the All-China Federation of Trade Unions and will be attending their International Forum on Economic Globalization and Trade Unions in Beijing, this April. Forum themes include; Transforming the Economic Growth Pattern, Improving Workers’ Competence, Decent Work and Social Security.

“This forum will hopefully bring to the fore ways and means in which trade unions can enhance their role in promoting the transformation of economic growth, improving the skills of workers, building a sound social security system and achieving decent work for all workers”, concluded George.

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FEDUSA is the largest politically non-aligned trade union federation in South Africa and represents a diverse membership from a variety of sectors in industry.  See www.fedusa.org.za for more information.

For more information:

Dennis George (General Secretary)

084 805 1529

Anja Muller-Deibicht (Media and Communications)

073 713 6173