Stories from reality in Ha Tinh, Thanh Hoa and many other localities have shown that the role of the press is not only to convey information but also to bridge policies and the lives of workers.
Abolish certificates, restore fairness to teachers
One of the shortcomings that has lasted for many years is the requirement to submit English and IT certificates in the teacher promotion application. Although Joint Circular 02/2021 of the Ministry of Education and Training has abolished this requirement, some localities such as Ha Tinh and Thanh Hoa still maintain it, causing difficulties for teachers.
Teachers in Loc Ha district (Ha Tinh) had to flock to the city to take the exam to get a certificate. Many people are old and have worked for nearly 30 years, but are still forced to study and take the English exam. "I once thought about giving up promotion because I could not pass the foreign language exam. Now that I heard that the certificate requirement had been abolished, I was so happy that I cried," a teacher shared.
Realizing that absurdity, Lao Dong Newspaper reporters stepped in, studied the document system, and discussed with local education leaders. Articles such as "Ha Tinh teachers are struggling to get foreign language certificates even though the Ministry has abolished them" have highlighted the conflict between central-level policies and local application practices. After the reflection, the Departments of Education and Training reviewed and officially abolished the requirement to submit certificates in the promotion documents.
Not only does this help remove unreasonable barriers, it also helps teachers save millions of VND on tuition and testing costs; relieve stress. A leader of the Thanh Hoa Department of Education and Training sent his thanks to Lao Dong Newspaper for " Contributing to relieving long-standing concerns and promoting compliance with legal regulations".
From the struggle of the press to the right policies
Not only the issue of certificates, Lao Dong Newspaper also strongly spoke out about the current situation of handling teachers who have a third child. Many years ago, in some districts in Nghe An, schools took disciplinary action, lowered their salary levels, and transferred teachers to have a third or fourth child.
Reporters of Lao Dong Newspaper have published a series of articles such as "Converting teachers to have a third child is illegal" or "Intermediate staff: No basis for disciplining the person who has a third child", in which it is clearly stated: No legal document allows discrimination and discipline of the person who has a third child. This even violates human rights and population policy has been adjusted to encourage the birth of 2 children.
After a series of reports, many localities have adjusted their policies. Some teachers who were sent to remote areas have returned to their old schools. The education departments also changed their perception, affirming that there is no longer any basis to apply the previous form of handling.
A teacher in Yen Dinh district (Thanh Hoa) emotionally said: "If there were no press to speak up, I would have had to quit my job or accept the scene away from my young children. Now I can return to my old school, near home, and can focus on teaching and taking care of my children".
Protecting worthy recognition for workers
Not stopping there, Lao Dong Newspaper continues to accompany teachers in the fight for the right to be recognized for achievements. Many localities have cut their budget allowances for the title of Emulation Fighter at the grassroots level - even though teachers meet all the criteria and are seriously voted for.
The article "100 per cent of Emulation Fighters at the grassroots level were rewarded after Lao Dong Newspaper's reflection" recorded efforts from the field to dialogues with industry leaders, contributing to promoting the full payment of rewards in many units.
A principal in Nghi Xuan district (Ha Tinh) expressed: "The title is a recognition of the efforts of teachers throughout the year. Cutting bonuses not only causes material disadvantages but also causes mental disadvantages. Thanks to the press's participation, we have corrected the mistake and restored justice to our colleagues".
Difficult but proud and responsible
From the above cases, it can be seen the indispensable role of the press in supervising policies and protecting the legitimate rights of workers - especially the teaching staff. To do that, reporters must regularly study legal regulations, closely follow grassroots practices, meet and discuss with teachers, school leaders, departments - education departments and People's Committees of provinces and cities.
That process was not easy. It requires perseverance, integrity, patience, even facing pressure and reactions from those who do not want to change. But above all, that is the mission and pride of journalists for workers.
Over the past 96 years, Lao Dong Newspaper has not only reported but also contributed to creating social justice - especially for those who are silently contributing like teachers. It is that silent but strong companionship that makes a newspaper a trustworthy friend and protector of workers - including a team of teachers.
And that journey is still ongoing.
