Union chief off to China

The president of the Council of Trade Unions (CTU), Ross Wilson, has accepted an invitation to visit China on March 29.

The invitation from the All-China Federation of Trade Unions would be an opportunity for the two groups to have "cordial and in-depth discussions on issues of mutual interests", the CTU said yesterday. The delegation will also visit businesses in China to better understand the labour situation and labour protection in that country, the statement said.

The visit comes as the Government is focused on a free trade deal with China, in the face of considerable union disquiet.

In December the Chinese Government postponed a visit by Mr Wilson, to discuss raising labour standards in China with senior world union leaders.

A spokesman for the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Phil Goff, earlier said Mr Wilson's visa was cancelled and the meeting postponed because of some "misunderstandings" by the State Council Research Department.

The CTU said Mr Wilson's visit would contribute to understanding and co-operation between Chinese and New Zealand unions.

- NZPA