Where more than 700 businesses use less than 20 workers/business
In key tourist areas of Quang Ninh province, most businesses operate in the tourism and service sectors with little labor and seasonally fluctuating personnel.
Bai Chay ward is a key tourist area of Quang Ninh province with more than 900 operating businesses, of which more than 700 businesses employ less than 20 workers/business.
Small and micro enterprises operate depending on the tourist season, so the number of workers often fluctuates.
When a business has only a few employees working stably, gathering union members, selecting trade union officials and maintaining grassroots trade union activities faces many difficulties.
However, from the beginning of 2026 to now, Bai Chay Ward Trade Union has established 15 grassroots trade unions, developed nearly 1,200 union members, reaching 120% of the target assigned by Quang Ninh Provincial Labor Federation. Currently, the Ward Trade Union manages 143 grassroots trade unions with more than 8,400 union members.
Ms. Nguyen Thi Duyen - Chairwoman of Bai Chay Ward Trade Union - said that because most businesses have few workers and are often busy during peak tourist months, trade union officials must choose an approach suitable for each unit.
Trade union officials also coordinate with Party committees, authorities, the Fatherland Front and socio-political organizations to review the operating situation and number of employees at each enterprise. Contact with employees is usually carried out during breaks or when it does not affect the operation of hotels, restaurants and service establishments.
After establishing the grassroots trade union, the Ward Trade Union continues to guide the development of regulations and operating programs; organize dialogues, negotiations and sign collective labor agreements.
Focus on stable businesses
In Van Don special zone, trade union development also faces many difficulties. Through a survey of 379 enterprises, 42 enterprises have sufficient conditions to mobilize the establishment of Trade Union organizations, including 29 enterprises with fewer than 10 employees, and 10 enterprises with 10 to 20 employees.
Van Don Special Zone Trade Union currently manages the area stretching from Van Don special zone to Co To special zone with 95 grassroots trade unions. In 2026, Quang Ninh Provincial Labor Federation assigned the unit to establish 8 grassroots trade unions. To date, Van Don Special Zone Trade Union has established 12 Trade Union organizations, including 10 grassroots trade unions in enterprises and 2 trade unions, exceeding the assigned target. Among these, there are 11 grassroots trade unions with fewer than 20 members.
Ms. Le Thi Net - Chairwoman of Van Don Special Zone Trade Union - said that right from the beginning of the year, the unit has coordinated with the Special Zone People's Committee, tax authorities, social insurance and related units to review the operating situation, number of employees and social insurance participation of enterprises.
Instead of widespread mobilization, the unit prioritizes enterprises with 8 or more employees, operating stably and capable of maintaining the Trade Union organization after establishment.
After that, officials directly meet with business owners to discuss the role of the trade union in caring for workers, supporting the resolution of petitions and building harmonious labor relations. Workers are also propagated about their rights and benefits when joining the trade union.
In 2026, Quang Ninh sets a target to establish 150 grassroots trade unions, including 122 grassroots trade unions in non-state-owned enterprises, and at the same time develop more than 20,000 union members.
