OREANDA-NEWS. November 26, 2009. Dialogue between various trade union and employers' associations with the government's participation is absolutely essential, the President said. Such a dialogue is particularly in demand in a period plagued by acute social problems, such as the financial crisis which has seriously affected the entire country.

Mr Medvedev noted the need to develop various forms of trade unions that reflect the citizens' attitudes and protect their labour rights.

The issue of training union leaders was also discussed at the meeting.