Brasília, 8/14/2003 (Agência Brasil - ABr) - The Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva administration remains committed to creating 10 million jobs, declared minister of Labor, Jacques Wagner, in a TV NBR interview. The minister pointed out that the government has various plans, especially in the area of infrastructure, to spur renewed economic growth and improve labor relations. The minister spoke at the opening of the Labor Forum which will begin to remodel Brazil's labor legislation. The forum consists of representatives of the government, labor and management. According to Wagner, one of the main points to be tackled at the forum is the country's labor union structure, which he called "archaic and inefficient."

Another area that will get special attention is worker training. "We intend to use Worker Assistance Funds (FAT) more effectively in order to customize our training programs to regional needs," the minister said. Finally, Wagner pointed out that on August 19 congress will vote on the First Employment project law which is aimed specifically at needy youths. (AB)