Starting from specific rights
On July 24, at the announcement ceremony of the decision to establish 70 grassroots trade unions in Nghe An, Mr. Nguyen Xuan Hung - Vice President of the Vietnam General Confederation of Labor - emphasized that the launch of the new organization is only the beginning.
More importantly, grassroots trade unions must soon stabilize their organizations, select practical issues to implement, and create clear changes right in the first months of operation.
According to Mr. Nguyen Xuan Hung, the effectiveness of the Trade Union organization does not lie in the number of meetings or movements launched, but must be shown by the specific benefits workers receive at enterprises, agencies, and units.
These can be timely visits to union members who are sick, injured, or affected by natural disasters; supporting workers in difficult circumstances; organizing care programs during holidays, Tet or when union members encounter upheavals.
In the first months, grassroots trade unions must do clear and practical things so that workers can feel the benefits of participating in the Trade Union organization" - Mr. Nguyen Xuan Hung requested.
The Vice President of the Vietnam General Confederation of Labor said that the top task of 70 grassroots trade unions is to represent, care for, and protect the legitimate and lawful rights and interests of union members and workers.
The grassroots trade union executive committee needs to proactively grasp the lives, jobs, incomes and thoughts of workers, instead of waiting until an incident arises to get involved.
One of the tasks to be implemented soon is to coordinate with employers to organize dialogues, negotiations and sign collective labor agreements.
The content of the agreement should aim at clauses that are more beneficial to workers than the minimum level prescribed by law, such as salary, bonuses, meals, rest time, welfare regimes and support in case of unexpected difficulties.
Grassroots trade unions must also strengthen propaganda to help union members understand the position, function and role of the Trade Union organization. Activities must comply with the Charter of the Vietnam Trade Union, legal regulations, guidance from higher-level trade unions and be suitable to the actual conditions of each unit.
Mr. Nguyen Xuan Hung assessed that Nghe An is in the top 10 localities leading the country in developing union members and establishing grassroots trade unions. However, this result is only truly meaningful when new organizations operate substantively, protect workers and contribute to building stable labor relations.
Do not let new trade unions fend for themselves
To ensure that 70 grassroots trade unions will soon become operational, Vice President of the Vietnam General Confederation of Labor Nguyen Xuan Hung requested the Nghe An Provincial Labor Federation and higher-level trade unions to directly assign officials to monitor and guide each unit.
Senior trade union officials need to accompany in managing union members, trade union finances, building working regulations, organizing dialogues, collective bargaining and resolving issues related to salaries, bonuses, and workers' lives.
Employers are also requested to create conditions on time, location and coordination mechanisms for the grassroots trade union executive committee to perform tasks; and at the same time maintain dialogue and listen to legitimate recommendations from employees.
According to Mr. Nguyen Xuan Hung, the Trade Union not only protects the rights of union members but is also a bridge to help businesses promptly identify and handle problems arising in labor relations.
When workers' rights are guaranteed, their voices are heard, and relationships in the business will be more stable, thereby contributing to maintaining production, business and sustainable development.
