Support" for informal workers
Among many opinions and recommendations from grassroots trade unions sent to the Dong Thap Provincial Labor Federation, the content of particular concern to union members is the expansion of the Trade Union's presence to the informal labor sector - a group that is increasing but still has difficulty accessing social security policies.
Opinions suggest that it is necessary to develop a separate program to attract freelance workers to participate in grassroots trade unions; and at the same time design flexible "Union Member Welfare" packages, suitable for the unstable nature of this group of workers. In which, supporting participation in voluntary social insurance, health insurance and access to micro-credit capital is considered practical solutions to help workers and laborers reduce the pressure of life.
According to many union members, expanding the coverage of the Trade Union organization to the informal sector is not only aimed at developing union members but also contributing to ensuring social security for vulnerable workers in the face of economic fluctuations.
At the same time, many opinions suggested improving the effectiveness of legal advice and legal support for workers. In fact, the situation of salary arrears and social insurance debts is still complicated, directly affecting the rights of workers.
Grassroots Trade Unions propose to strengthen resources for legal advice centers; build a team of professional and more drastic trade union lawyers in representing union members to sue in court to protect legitimate rights when violated.
In addition, legal aid activities need to be implemented in a free, timely and easier-to-reach direction through online platforms and social networks. This is considered "legal aid" - an important form of support for workers to have a foothold against increasingly complex labor disputes.
Midwifery" cares for female workers and children
Many female union members believe that in addition to the contents on women's work mentioned in the draft, there should be more specific and practical solutions for female workers, especially in remote and isolated areas.
In which, supporting childcare costs, periodic reproductive health check-ups and health care advice for female workers is considered an urgent need. This is not only a social security policy but also an investment solution for the long-term quality of human resources.
Scholarship programs and funds to support disadvantaged children such as "Trade Union Advances with You" are also proposed to continue to be maintained and expanded to support workers' children to overcome difficulties in their studies.
In addition, many opinions want the Trade Union to speak out more strongly in promoting substantive gender equality in the workplace; ensuring that women have equal opportunities in training, improving skills and career advancement.
According to union members, "midwifery" not only carries the meaning of caring for the immediate life but is also an investment in the future of workers' families and the sustainable development of society.
Capital aid" to push back black credit
In the context of workers' lives still facing many pressures, the issue of sustainable finance and prevention and combat of "black credit" continues to receive great attention from the grassroots level.
Many opinions highly appreciate the policy of building sustainable trade union finance to create resources to perform tasks in the new situation. However, union members suggested that the allocation of resources should prioritize activities to represent, care for and protect the rights of workers.
Trade union financial management also needs to be implemented more transparently and publicly through an independent audit mechanism; and at the same time tighten the management of public assets in the direction of thrift, efficiency, and avoiding waste.
Notably, many union members proposed expanding the scale of microfinance funds so that workers can access legal capital sources with preferential interest rates to develop the family economy. This is considered a fundamental solution for the Trade Union to accompany workers in preventing, combating and repelling "black credit" in residential areas and boarding houses.
Opinions also suggested that it is necessary to connect union member data so that loan approval can be carried out quickly, conveniently and more accurately. At the same time, the Trade Union should coordinate with reputable banks to implement more diverse welfare credit packages for employees.
Reality shows that when given timely financial support, many workers not only stabilize their lives but also become more attached and trust in the Trade Union organization.
It can be seen that the "Three Assistants" model with supporting pillars - supporting livelihoods - supporting capital is clearly reflecting the expectations of union members for a closer, more substantive and capable Trade Union organization to accompany workers in all circumstances. This is not only an immediate requirement but also a long-term direction for the Trade Union to continue to affirm its role as a reliable support for workers in the new context.
