The aim of the five day visit was to further exchange about international economic situation and the situation in China regarding the matters of Decent Work and workers’ rights as well as environmental protection including sustainable green development and to present PES programs including the PES “A progressive way out of the crisis” initiative. In particular, the delegation drew clear lines between “left and right” in Europe. While the conservative approach is based on fiscal austerity, destroying the welfare states and business as usual for banks and speculators, the PES and its progressive allies focus on financial regulation, job creation, sustainable development, social justice and economic stimuli.
The delegation took place in the framework of the CPC-PES dialogue launched in 2006 and included Marije Laffeber, PES Presidency Member, International Secretary and second Vice Chair PvdA, Netherlands; Lars Midtiby, General Secretary, SD, Denmark, Ivan Catalin Sorin, MEP, PSD, Romania; Signe Brudeset, International Secretary, DNA, Norway; Nicolae Vasilescu, MP, Executive Secretary, Head of the Legislative Department in the National Parliament, PSD, Romania; Yonnec Polet Head of the International Unit, PES; David Kitching, Junior Adviser, FEPS and Michael Oberreuter, International Unit, PES,
Commenting on the series of meetings with the CPC, PES Secretary General Philip Cordery said:
“This delegation was able to thoroughly discuss the situation in China regarding decent work and workers’ rights and to present our programs and initiatives. We analysed the Labour Law 2008 and made the case for further reforms with a view to increased collective bargaining, international labour standards, fair wages and workers’ rights. We offered our continued assistance for reforms regarding these matters.
He added: “These issues form a solid base for further constructive cooperation on issues of mutual concern between the CPC and the PES. The PES remains committed to its constant dialogue with the CPC and we are glad to announce a PES high level delegation to China headed by PES President Poul Nyrup Rasmussen in 2011. Our aim remains to intensify the PES-CPC dialogue and to ensure that the issues of decent work, international work standards, financial regulation and a financial transaction tax as well as climate change stay at the top of the CPC agenda.”
