In recent years, the work of developing union members and establishing grassroots trade unions in Lai Chau has faced many difficulties due to the characteristics of mountainous provinces, small-scale enterprises, dispersed labor and frequent fluctuations.
The arrangement of the organizational structure and implementation of the two-level local government model have also significantly reduced the number of union members and grassroots trade unions.
Faced with that reality, the Lai Chau Provincial Labor Federation determined to take the care and protection of workers' rights as an attraction to develop the trade union organization.
Trade union levels promote propaganda, approach businesses, and at the same time implement many practical activities to help workers clearly see the benefits of participating in trade union organizations.
In the period 2023-2025, the whole province admitted 927 more union members, and established 14 grassroots trade unions in non-state-owned enterprises.
One of the effective solutions is to improve the quality of activities of grassroots trade unions with few members, helping trade unions to truly be present and accompany workers right at the workplace.
The spirit of "Where workers are in difficulty, there are trade unions" is concretized by many meaningful programs. In the past three years, more than 22,300 turns of union members and workers have been supported with a total budget of nearly 11 billion VND.
Lai Chau Trade Union also supported the construction and repair of 35 new houses for union members in difficult circumstances; built accommodation for medical staff in Muong Te district; supported thousands of union members affected by natural disasters, serious illnesses and particularly difficult circumstances.
In addition, the union member welfare program continues to be expanded. The Provincial Labor Federation has signed agreements with 28 units and businesses to provide preferential medical, transportation, tourism and consumer goods services. More than 4,000 union members benefited with a total savings value of over 1 billion VND.
A notable highlight is the "Trade Union Meal" model. To date, 19 grassroots trade unions have organized programs with nearly 600 union members participating.
Meals not only improve the quality of meals but also are an opportunity for workers, trade unions and businesses to share and listen to each other's thoughts and aspirations.
In parallel with that, 100% of enterprises with trade union organizations in the province supported lunch meals for employees from 18,000 VND/person or more, many units supported up to 50,000 VND/person.
This is a practical solution contributing to improving health, improving labor productivity and building harmonious and sustainable labor relations.
