Trade Unions call for promoting jobs

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China's economic slowdown has cost the jobs of 20 million rural migrants alone. The number of unemployed world wide has reached 50 million, according to the International Labor Organization. Participants say unions must do more to protect workers.

Delegates attend 2009 International Forum on Economic  Globalization and Trade Unions, in Beijing, capital of China,  Feb. 12, 2009. The two-day international forum is attended by 50 leaders of 37 trade unions organizations from 25 countries.  (Xinhua/He Junchang)

George Mavrikos, Gen-Secretary of World Federation of Trade Unions, said, "We believe we need more new positions in the workplace and unemployed workers need to live."

Kandikuppa Hwmalata, National Sec. of Center of Indian Trade Unions, said, "The system itself is in crisis because it is profit-oriented, so the workers need to be re-educated and unite together to fight against the weakness of the system."

The major policies of the Chinese government to create jobs are stimulating consumption and investing in infrastructure. However, this policy needs time to change the employment situation, as the major economies around the world have not shown signs of recovery. Participants urged governments to take action.