For trade unions, worldwide compliance with core labour standards and the corporate social responsibility of businesses with multinational operations are extremely important.
Michael Sommer, Chairman of the Confederation of German Trade Unions, called on the G8 nations to preserve and expand the equitable redistribution of wealth and employment. He pointed out that there are today 1.4 billion unemployed and underemployed individuals in the world.
The President of the AFL-CIO, America's Union Movement, John J. Sweeny, declared that workers around the globe should benefit more from the positive impacts of globalisation.
On the way to Heiligendamm
The meeting with trade union organisations is part of a series of meetings which will bring the Chancellor together with state and civil society actors from the G8 nations.
Within the framework of the G8 presidency this year, the German government is preparing the topics to be discussed at the G8 summit scheduled for early June. Two special focuses will be international climate protection and sustainable development in Africa.
The exchange of views will be incorporated in the discussions at the G8 summit in Heiligendamm, the Chancellor assured the trade unionists.
Two weeks ago, Merkel met leading industrialists at the G8 business summit.
A meeting with top-level representatives of non-governmental organisations is scheduled for 14 May.
