Connecting workers sustainably
In Quang Tri province, many grassroots trade unions (CĐCS) are clearly showing their role as "backing points" for workers through flexible and practical ways of doing things. Not only stopping at protecting rights, the trade union organization also actively participates with businesses in building a stable and harmonious working environment.
At Phong Phu Export Garment Factory - Quang Tri, more than 800 workers are working, of which over 80% are female workers. The specific nature of the garment industry with pressure on orders, production norms and delivery times makes workers (NLĐ) often face high working intensity.
The average income of employees reaches over 7 million VND/person/month, contributing to stabilizing life, but in the context of increasing living costs, ensuring rights, improving the working environment and balancing life is still a major challenge. Faced with that reality, the grassroots trade union has promoted its role as a bridge between employees and the leadership. Trade union officials regularly stick to the production chain, promptly grasp thoughts on salaries, overtime, and working conditions. Legitimate recommendations are summarized and reflected promptly, helping many issues to be resolved early, without prolonged conflicts.
In particular, the trade union directly participates in the negotiation process on salaries, norms and overtime with contents that directly affect income. Thanks to that, the income of employees is maintained stably in the range of 7-12 million VND/month, creating peace of mind and attachment to the business.
Creating many practical models
At Jinquan Vietnam Tourism Equipment Co., Ltd. (Nam Dong Ha ward, Quang Tri province), where there are more than 700 workers, the grassroots trade union also implements many practical activities to care for the lives of workers. During Workers' Month and Action Month on occupational safety and health, the trade union coordinates with businesses to organize activities to raise awareness about occupational safety and prevent occupational risks. Emulation movements, health care, and visits to workers in difficult circumstances are maintained regularly.
Notably, the company focuses on improving the quality of lunch meals by selecting reputable suppliers and strictly controlling food sources. Every month, employees are consulted for evaluation opinions to improve the quality of meals.
Meanwhile, at VTJ Toms Textile and Garment Co., Ltd., the grassroots trade union has proactively innovated the content of activities to suit the increasingly diverse needs of employees.
Models such as "Happy Lunch", "Summer Cooling Bottle" are maintained periodically, contributing to improving workers' health. In particular, the construction of "milk extraction and storage" rooms helps female workers feel secure at work and raise young children.
The Trade Union also implemented the model "Self-managed Trade Union Group - linking for employees", helping to promptly grasp thoughts and solve problems right from the grassroots level. Thanks to that, the rate of union members participating in activities reached over 90%, creating a close bond between employees and businesses.
Assessing the above approaches, Mr. Nguyen The Lap - Chairman of the Quang Tri Provincial Labor Federation said that grassroots trade unions have proactively innovated the content and methods of operation, closely following the reality of businesses and the needs of workers. According to Mr. Lap, models such as dialogues at the workplace, participating in salary negotiations, taking care of lunch meals, supporting female workers, or welfare programs have brought clear results. Not only helping to improve the lives of workers, these activities also contribute to building harmonious, stable and progressive labor relations.
