Caring for the freelancer
As of September 2024, in Quang Nam, there are 15 grassroots unions (GC) protecting the rights and interests of workers. Of these, there are 11 fishing unions, 1 cyclo union, 1 boat union, 1 private preschool union and 1 small trader union, with nearly 8,000 workers.
Tam Quang Commune Fisheries Union, Nui Thanh District currently has the largest number of fishing vessels in the province with 208 fishing vessels (340 union members), mainly large-capacity vessels, from 700CV to 1,000CV participating in offshore fishing.
Mr. Huynh The Dieu - Chairman of the Tam Quang Commune Fisheries Union knows the faces and names of almost all fishing boat owners.
According to Mr. Dieu, in reality, offshore fishing is a high-risk occupation; fishermen and union members are at risk of losing their lives, vehicles, and property due to the effects of weather and instability in fishing ground disputes.
However, with the encouragement of the fishing union and the desire of fishermen and union members to go offshore, they have overcome difficulties and achieved remarkable results, with an annual output of more than 17,000 tons, helping each crew member earn more than a hundred million VND/year.
“With the guidance of the union, we have strictly followed the regulations on IUU, working with the provincial authorities to remove the “yellow card” for seafood. The union always joins hands to support and share so that union members can soon overcome difficulties and continue to go out to sea,” said captain Luong Van Vien (ship QNa-90129TS, Tam Quang commune).
Enhance the position of the Union
According to Mr. Phan Phuoc Tung - Chairman of Hoi An City Cyclo Union (one of 81 Chairmen of Grassroots Trade Unions, exemplary Communist Party members in the period 2021-2023, just recognized by Quang Nam Labor Federation at the end of August 2024), the union currently has more than 100 union members who are cyclo drivers serving tourists in Hoi An ancient town.
Since the union was established, all members have worked methodically, without competing for customers, but instead supporting each other in work and contributing to building a friendly and hospitable Hoi An ancient town.
Speaking with Lao Dong reporter, Chairman of Hoi An City People's Committee Nguyen Van Son said that Hoi An is a green, friendly, community-based tourist city, so it always prioritizes solutions to increase income and ensure livelihoods for people - the subject of community tourism.
“The income of a cyclo driver can sometimes reach up to a million VND per day. In addition to ensuring income, members of the cyclo, electric car, and taxi driver union are all educated and trained in tourist service skills. There have been many cases where drivers have picked up lost items and returned them to tourists, thereby further promoting the image of Hoi An as a friendly and kind-hearted place,” said Mr. Son.
Similarly, after nearly 2 years of establishment, Tam Ky City Private Nursery Group Union is not only a common home for more than 330 teachers and staff of private preschool classes, but also represents and protects the legitimate rights of union members.
“In addition to participating in cultural, artistic and sports movements organized by the higher-level trade union, the Tam Ky City Private Children's Group Union is also supported by the city's sectors to organize dialogues, negotiations, and build collective labor agreements to resolve issues arising in harmonious, stable and progressive labor relations; contributing to enhancing the position of the trade union organization" - Ms. Tran Thi Ly Na - President of the Tam Ky City Private Children's Group Union shared.
Mr. Phan Xuan Quang - Chairman of the Quang Nam Provincial Federation of Labor assessed that the establishment of professional unions has helped freelance workers enjoy the policies and benefits of the Trade Union organization for union members and workers. Thereby, reducing risks to workers, ensuring harmonious and stable labor relations. In the coming time, the Provincial Federation of Labor will continue to coordinate with all levels, sectors, Party committees, authorities, and local functional agencies to continue to pay attention, have mechanisms and policies to support the activities of newly established unions, to support unions - worthy of being the support of workers.
