Spokesmen of the central trade union leadership and of local labour organisations, and a number of members of the Government attended the meeting.
In his opening address, Mr Putin called to balance out interests between market concerns and social justice. The latest amendments of tax legislation must bring labour remuneration out of the twilight. He said that the change has not yet spread to outlying regions, and the Government was to make relevant conclusions.
Mr Putin warned against merciless exploitation of employees during the formation of the free labour market.
The meeting was to be summarised in instructions to the Government and in correcting the work of Government members in the commission drafting the new Labour Code.