Brussels, 29/11/2010 (Agence Europe) - Suspicions over the opposition of European multinationals operating in Vietnam to an increase in the minimum wage by the Hanoi government are raising a storm of controversy. European unions say that the multinationals' position is “unacceptable” and they want guarantees on the free trade agreement.
In a letter to Trade Commissioner Karel De Gucht on 25 November, European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC/CES) General Secretary John Monks criticises the stance taken by the European Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam, which is threatening withdrawal of European investment in the country if the minimum wage is increased. Monks says ETUC expects “European companies to contribute to decent work and sustainable development in their host countries”. He points out, too, that “the EU has consistently pressed for sustainable development to be included in free trade agreements in line with these objectives”. Monks calls on the European Commission to ask the European Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam to “desist from making such statements which can only undermine the development of proper trade relations with Vietnam”, with whom the EU has recently begun negotiations on a bilateral free trade agreement. (E.H./transl.rt)