US Department of Labor announces $1.5 million in continued funding for program to improve labor relations in Vietnam

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of International Labor Affairs has awarded $1.5 million to Development Alternatives International Inc. of Bethesda, Md., to extend the existing Vietnam Industrial Relations Promotion Project by an additional two years. The first phase of the project was funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development.

The program is designed to improve Vietnam's labor relations policies and initiatives by strengthening labor law enforcement and labor inspection, increasing the capacity for a more effective dispute resolution system for workers and employers, improving worker organizations' ability to represent employees and engage in collective bargaining and other methods of dispute resolution, and equipping the government to promote collective bargaining and tripartite cooperation.

"As an emerging economy seeking to strengthen its compliance with international labor standards, Vietnam can benefit from U.S. assistance," said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. "Our experience shows that it is important to forge partnerships between countries in order to promote sound industrial relations policies and programs worldwide."

More information on the Labor Department's international affairs programs is available at http://www.dol.gov/ilab/.