The 4th Asia-Europe Labour Forum was held in Seoul, South Korea, from May 7-9, 2012. The Forum was attended by nearly 30 delegates from countries or regions such as the International Labour Organization, the Global Labor University, the European Trade Union Institute, the French Society for Economic and Social Research, the Hans Böckler Foundation, the Berlin School of Economics, the Italian Institute for Economic and Social Research, the Norwegian Institute for Labour and Social Research, the University of Amsterdam in the Netherlands, the Indonesian Trade Union Rights Center, the Indian Institute for Human Resource Development, the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions Research Center, the Pakistan Institute of Labour Education and Research, the Vietnam General Confederation of Labor Research Institute, and the China University of Labour Relations. Professor Li Tao, Vice Director of the Institute of Trade Union Cadre Training, Associate Professor Li Lei of the School of Labor Union, and Dr. Cui Yuxue of the School of Public Policy and Management participated in the Forum.

At this forum, Dr. Cui Yuxue presented a report entitled "The Impact of the Global Financial Crisis on China's Economy and Labor Market". Professor Li Lei presented a report entitled "The Response of Trade Unions to Protect Members' Rights: A Case Study of Beijing Ershang Group". Professor Li Tao made concluding remarks on issues such as income distribution, wage consultation, and China's policy orientation. Participating experts and scholars from around the world showed great concern for China's factors in the development of the world economy, as well as its labor market, labor relations, and wage collective negotiations. Through this forum, the information and communication between our university and other foreign trade union research institutions has been further enhanced, mutual understanding has been deepened, and a foundation for in-depth academic exchanges and cooperation has been laid.

The forum reached the following conclusions: income inequality is deepening worldwide, income disparities are widening in many countries, and the number of workers in low-wage informal employment is increasing. Moreover, unequal income distribution will lead to weak demand and unsustainable economic growth. Policy recommendations included that achieving full employment and decent work should be a priority for all social, economic, and financial measures. First, it's necessary to strengthen collective bargaining between trade union forces and wages. Second, all countries should implement a minimum wage system, and reasonable minimum wage standards should take into account the absolute poverty line and the relative poverty line. Third, all members of society should be provided with extensive coverage of social security. Fourth, wage growth should be synchronized with labor productivity growth. Fifth, all workers should be given equal working conditions. Sixth, it's imperative to implement comprehensive regulation of financial markets at the national and global levels.

(Foreign Affairs Office)