Developing union members in the informal sector
In Quang Tri province, workers in the informal sector often face many disadvantages. They do not have strict labor contracts and are not entitled to social insurance. For those working in offshore seafood transportation and exploitation, there are many potential dangers. For a long time, workers in the informal sector have often spontaneously gathered in clubs and groups to share experiences and support each other in work. However, they do not have a legitimate rights organization.
With this situation, the Standing Committee of the Quang Tri Provincial Federation of Labor has focused on directing the establishment of grassroots unions to gather workers to operate legally in a number of occupations and fields. Trade unions at all levels have actively organized consultations and direct dialogues, thereby helping them clearly understand the protection of legitimate rights.
In 2024, the Quang Tri Provincial Federation of Labor approached, guided and established two grassroots unions with 87 workers participating in the Trade Union organization. Specifically, the Cua Viet Town Fisheries Union gathered 60 union members, while the Automobile Drivers Union for Transportation Services had 27 union members.
Mr. Luong Van Hau (43 years old, from Quang Tri province) is a fisherman specializing in offshore fishing. Mr. Hau said that when being propagandized and mobilized by the Quang Tri Provincial Federation of Labor, he and other fishermen wanted to join the union to have a connection, bringing greater efficiency to fishermen fishing in fish farms. "We hope to join the union to have connections and support each other when drifting at sea. When joining the union, we feel more secure and know our rights" - Mr. Luong Van Hau shared.
Prospects for developing informal sector trade unions
Ms. Nguyen Thi Hoai Le - Permanent Vice President of the Quang Tri Provincial Federation of Labor said that developing union members and establishing informal trade unions is a long-term process, requiring many synchronous solutions.
To implement this, the Quang Tri Provincial Federation of Labor has surveyed and clearly classified informal laborers, thereby making appropriate plans for each subject. Next, use lively, easy-to-understand forms of propaganda and directly discuss and answer questions, helping them clearly understand their rights when joining the Trade Union.
According to Ms. Le, one of the biggest barriers that makes workers in the informal sector not interested in the Trade Union is concerns about funding and facilities. Therefore, supporting initial operating expenses and creating conditions for living locations will help the union maintain effective operations.
With the efforts that have been and are being implemented, the Quang Tri Provincial Federation of Labor hopes to open a new direction for workers in the informal sector, contributing to protecting the legitimate rights of workers. In the coming time, the Provincial Federation of Labor will continue to implement synchronous solutions to expand the scope of the union, improve operational efficiency and ensure the best benefits for union members" - Ms. Nguyen Thi Hoai Le said.
It is known that in 2024, Quang Tri province will have 345 newly established enterprises, 146 enterprises will resume operations, creating jobs for nearly 3,000 workers. However, up to 435 enterprises temporarily suspended operations and dissolved (an increase of 18.8% over the same period). Enterprises face many difficulties, so the target of developing union members and establishing grassroots unions is also facing difficulties. Developing grassroots unions in the informal sector not only helps workers have a solid foundation, but is also a new direction for the Quang Tri Provincial Trade Union to develop sustainably.
