Opportunity to re-locate the focus of activities
Implementing Conclusion No. 157 of the Politburo and Official Letter No. 4173 of the Vietnam General Confederation of Labor on the rearrangement of trade union organizations, the Da Nang City Labor Federation has implemented the end of the activities of grassroots trade unions in the administrative sector and public service. Thereby, more than 80,000 union members of nearly 1,800 grassroots unions were adjusted to organize according to the established roadmap.
However, it is worth noting that this streamlining does not reduce the development goals of the Trade Union organization but on the contrary, as affirmed by the Standing Vice President of the Da Nang City Labor Federation Le Van Dai: "This is an opportunity to re- Localize the focus of operations, devoting more resources to the non-state enterprise sector and the informal labor sector - where there are many workers and laborers who need support and care".
With that orientation, the city's trade union has quickly developed new action programs, closely following reality, and proactively adjusting the organizational model to better suit the operating conditions at the grassroots level. In particular, a notable step is the transfer of direct management of trade unions in industrial parks and export processing zones to the City Labor Federation, instead of maintaining grassroots trade unions as before.
Not only adjusting vertically, the city is also flexible vertically: ward-level union officials are assigned to be in charge of grassroots unions in enterprises located in the area, in order to strengthen the closer connection between the union and the government and workers at the grassroots level. The model of "Union following the workers" - from factories to boarding houses, residential areas, is gradually taking shape. As Mr. Le Van Dai shared: The Trade Union not only accompanies at the workplace but is also present at the workers residence. This helps the Trade Union organization understand correctly, fully and promptly handle arising problems, especially during the period when workers are under great pressure from urban life".
Legal and spiritual support
In parallel with the reorganization of the organizational model, the Da Nang Trade Union continues to promote its role as a representative and protection - a function considered a "backbone" and also a reason for workers to stick with the organization.
A recent specific case clearly demonstrated that spirit. Ms. Ha Thi Nhan (character's name has been changed) - a worker residing in Ngu Hanh Son ward (formerly Hoa Hai ward) - was given legal support by the union when her labor contract was unilaterally terminated. With the participation of union officials at the trial, analyzing the terms and pointing out violations from the enterprise, Ms. Nhan was approved by the Son Tra District Court to file a lawsuit, forcing the company to compensate nearly 37 million VND, including salary and insurance benefits. "I thank the union for not leaving me in difficult times. From now on, I can work with peace of mind because I know I am not alone" - Ms. Nhan said emotionally after the trial.
It was not until this incident that Da Nang workers came to the union for support. Over the years, labor disputes, from unilateral dismissal to late salary payment, late insurance... have been regularly handled by workers through their union representative. Notably, Da Nang is also one of the localities with the highest winning bids in the country, thanks to the careful preparation and professional capacity of union officials.
To do that, the Da Nang City Labor Federation has invested in training a team of full-time staff, enhancing training in legal skills, and coordinating with the City Bar Association to establish a Lawyers Association at the union headquarters - a trusted address for union members to find when needed legal advice and support.
In the current period, when the labor market has many fluctuations and the lives of workers and laborers are still unstable, the fact that the trade union constantly innovates its methods of operation and closely accompanies workers, not only in the factory but also in daily life, is very commendable.
The Da Nang Trade Union has been and is becoming increasingly present in real life. With the determination to maintain the representative role, flexibly adapt to organizational arrangement, and go deeper into residential areas and residential areas. With this approach, the Trade Union organization in Da Nang is gradually reaffirming its position, reputation and true value: The trusted companion of workers.
