The European Union Domestic Advisory Group has said that Vietnam’s progress on labour rights has not kept pace with the economic benefits generated by the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement, in a statement released December 1 → view source.
It has noted that while Vietnam’s exports to the European Union have risen by more than 70 percent since the agreement entered into force, commitments on worker protections remain unmet.
It has stated that Vietnam has not ratified International Labour Organisation Convention 87 on the Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organise, despite pledging to do so.
The group has also reported that Vietnam has not responded to concerns from the International Labour Organisation regarding implementation of Convention 100 on Equal Remuneration and Convention 111 on Discrimination in Employment.
It has added that reports from Vietnam are overdue on Conventions 98, 122 and 144, covering collective bargaining, employment policy and tripartite consultation.
The group has further warned that the new Trade Union Law is too restrictive and does not allow for independent worker organisations.
It has stated that the legislation violates multiple aspects of freedom of association intended to be protected under the agreement.
The group has also raised concerns about the safety of civil rights activists and their families. It has reported that several individuals have been arbitrarily arrested while exercising their right to peaceful assembly.
It has stated that a shrinking civic space makes it difficult for civil society organisations to engage in discussions required under the Trade and Sustainable Development mechanisms.
The group has noted that scheduled meetings of the EU-Vietnam Joint Forum on Trade and Sustainable Development and the Committee on Trade and Sustainable Development were cancelled due to unforeseen political circumstances on the Vietnamese side.
It has said these cancellations have delayed further discussion of unresolved labour-rights commitments.