Party General Secretary and President Nguyễn Phú Trọng meets outstanding leaders of local trade unions in Hà Nội on Saturday. — VNA/VNS Photo Trí Dũng

HÀ NỘI — Party General Secretary and President Nguyễn Phú Trọng met with 90 outstanding leaders of local trade unions and 10 trade union officials receiving Nguyễn Văn Linh Awards on Saturday in Hà Nội.

Named after the former General Secretary who initiated Việt Nam’s drastic economic reforms in the late 80s, the award, the first of its kind organised by the Việt Nam General Confederation of Labour (VGCL), aims to honour those who had effective and creative initiatives and solutions to improve in trade union operations, benefiting labourers and contributing to the development of localities, agencies and units.

At the meeting, the Party and State leader praised the positive contributions of workers’ movements and trade unions across the country over the years.

He lauded the VGCL’s idea of organising the award, stressing the significant role of the working class and trade unions at all levels in the revolution path of the Party and nation, adding that he hoped those who were honoured will keep up their good work.

Nguyễn Phú Trọng asked local trade union officials to focus on improving the political firmness of workers and public servants by strengthening communications on the historical missions of the working class, while educating them on patriotism and national pride.

The leader said today, workers’ patriotism is shown in efforts to improve capacity, skills and creativity as well as determination to overcome poverty and difficulties.

The working class should enhance their immunity against wrongful arguments and schemes of hostile forces, he underlined.

The leader also highlighted the need for trade unions at all levels to pay greater attention to ensuring the legitimate rights and interest of their members, while showing strong performance as their representative.

Trade union officials at all levels must continue reforming and bettering operational methods and efficiency to suit the current situation and the country’s development, he asked.

The meeting was held on the occasion of the 90th founding anniversary of the Việt Nam Trade Union.

Since its formation in 1929, under the leadership and training of the Communist Party and President Hồ Chí Minh, Việt Nam’s trade union has been the pioneering force in making glorious historical success of the nation, becoming a political-social organisation representing the working class, the leading class in all revolutionary periods. — VNS