In the context of increasingly diverse and complex labor relations, the Trade Union organization not only performs the role of representing, caring for, and protecting the legitimate and lawful rights and interests of workers (NLĐ), but also must proactively grasp the thoughts and aspirations of union members (ĐV) right from the grassroots level.
Improving the quality of dialogue, promptly resolving arising issues, preventing labor disputes early and remotely, and building a contingent of trade union officials with sufficient capacity and bravery are key tasks in the new period.
Regarding these contents, Lao Dong Newspaper exchanged with Ms. Nguyen Thi Thanh Thuy - Vice President of the Gia Lai Provincial Labor Federation (LĐLĐ).
- Madam, what does the Trade Union need to do to make the voices of workers listened to and resolved promptly?
- In my opinion, the Trade Union organization must be truly close to employees, listen, understand and represent their voices. When thoughts and aspirations are grasped early, dialogue activities will be more substantive, legitimate recommendations are resolved promptly, thereby strengthening employees' trust in the Trade Union organization.
To do that, first of all, it is necessary to promote propaganda and raise awareness of trade union officials, union members, workers and employers about the meaning and role of dialogue and collective bargaining. Dialogue is not only a right and responsibility but also a bridge to help workers and businesses share, understand, and jointly remove difficulties, towards harmonious benefits and sustainable development.
Reality in Gia Lai shows that in businesses that maintain good dialogue activities, recommendations related to salaries, meals, working hours, welfare regimes... are resolved promptly right from the grassroots level. This limits labor disputes, retains employees and stabilizes production and business.
In the coming time, the Trade Union in the province will continue to improve the quality of dialogue in a substantive and in-depth direction; exchange and negotiate issues of concern to union members and workers. At the same time, promote the role of the Trade Union in implementing the Law on Implementation of Democracy at the grassroots level, creating conditions for workers to participate in giving opinions, being listened to and being promptly resolved for legitimate recommendations.
- According to you, what capacity do Trade Union officials in the new stage need to be equipped with to well perform the role of representing employees?
- First of all, Trade Union officials must understand labor law, Trade Union law, social insurance, occupational safety and health, and policies directly related to employees. This is the foundation for effectively performing the role of representing and protecting union members and employees as well as effectively handling issues arising in labor relations.
Along with legal knowledge, Trade Union officials must have skills in collective dialogue and negotiation. In practice in the province, many issues that workers are concerned about regarding rights and regimes are resolved through dialogue and negotiation between the parties.
Therefore, Trade Union officials must have skills to listen, analyze, negotiate and persuade to both protect workers' rights and build harmonious and stable labor relations, creating conditions for businesses to develop sustainably.
In the new phase, the Provincial Trade Union will continue to promote training and fostering cadres associated with practical situations arising at enterprises; strengthen exchange and sharing of experience in handling cases so that each cadre masters theory, masters practical skills, and meets task requirements.
- What is the key factor to continue to consolidate the trust of union members and workers in the Trade Union in the new period?
- Reality shows that employees will trust and stick with the Trade Union organization when their rights are truly concerned, voices are heard, and difficulties and obstacles are supported and resolved promptly.
Therefore, the Trade Union in the province always identifies UMS and LD as the center in all activities; proactively participates in building, contributing opinions and proposing to improve policies related to labor, employment, wages, social insurance and other welfare policies.
The Trade Union continues to improve the quality of legal advice, legal support, and resolution of workers' petitions and recommendations; strengthen dialogue between workers and businesses; between union members and workers and provincial leaders to promptly remove issues directly related to workers' rights.
Along with the task of protecting rights, the Trade Union must do a good job of taking care of the welfare of union members. Programs such as "Tet Sum vay" (Reunion Tet), "Trade Union Shelter", supporting union members in difficult circumstances and other welfare programs have been and are bringing practical benefits to workers.
I believe that the trust of employees is not built by slogans but by specific results. When employees see the Trade Union truly accompanying, representing and protecting their rights, especially in difficult times, the position and prestige of the Trade Union organization will be increasingly affirmed.
Thank you very much, Madam!
