President of the All-China Federation of Trade Unions Wang Zhaoguo hosts the opening ceremony of the 15th National Congress of the All-China Federation of Trade Unions on Friday, October 17, 2008.

The All-China Federation of Trade Unions (ACFTU) opens its 15th national congress meeting here on Friday.

Chinese President Hu Jintao attended the meeting with more than 1,600 representatives from across the country.

Vice President Xi Jinping delivered a speech on behalf of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China. He urged the working class to be the main force in achieving new victories in building a well-off society in an all-round way.

The meeting was scheduled from Oct. 17 to 21.

Xi called on trade unions to earnestly safeguard legitimate rights and interests of employees, better voice employees' opinions and coordinate labor relations.

According to the country's Trade Union Law, trade unions are mass organizations formed by working people of their own free will and all shall represent the interests of the employees and protect the legitimate rights and interests of them.

If labor disputes occur between employers and employees, trade unions shall represent employees to negotiate with the employers, state employees' opinions and propose solution measures, the law states.

Xi also urged trade unions at all levels to play an active role in the reform, development and social stability, serve employees wholeheartedly and give them better technical and vocational training.

(Xinhua News Agency October 17, 2008)