As reported by Lao Dong Newspaper, the case of 62 employees of Da Nang Textile and Garment Joint Stock Company authorizing the Da Nang Trade Union to sue the business owner in court to claim unpaid wages and severance pay ended after 5 days of trial, with the victory belonging to the Trade Union organization.
The People's Court of Lien Chieu District, Da Nang City, has issued a verdict, forcing Hoa Khanh Textile Joint Stock Company to pay all unpaid wages and severance pay to 62 employees, totaling VND1.9 billion.
Although the case still has to go through the enforcement phase, up to this point, this is a great victory, and a worthy reward for the efforts of all levels of the Da Nang Trade Union and the perseverance of the workers during nearly 2 years of pursuing the lawsuit.
This victory, along with many previous similar lawsuits by the Da Nang Trade Union, leaves valuable lessons on resolving labor disputes.
First of all, it is a lesson in trust. Workers need to have faith in the organization they authorize to file a lawsuit - the Trade Union. At the same time, the Trade Union must also have firm faith that it is capable of representing and protecting the legitimate rights of workers in court.
The second lesson is that both workers, trade unions and businesses need to consider "going to court" to resolve disputes when dialogue and negotiation are not possible as a normal and civilized step.
In reality, although their rights are seriously violated, many workers still feel afraid and do not have the habit of suing businesses in court. Meanwhile, trade unions in many places have not yet formed the habit and skills in filing lawsuits.
Finally, the story of unpaid wages, insurance, and employee benefits, as in the case of Hoa Khanh Textile Joint Stock Company, is a common, burning issue in many localities across the country.
To date, workers, trade unions, and local governments have had many tools to address this issue, such as: reminders, public disclosure of identities in the media, lawsuits, and criminal proceedings.
However, taking each other to court or criminal prosecution is only the last resort when there is no other choice. The most optimal and effective solution is still for the Union to support workers in resolving the issue through dialogue and collective bargaining.
No need to go to court to argue but still get the debt back, both sides feel satisfied - that is a civilized and effective step that the Trade Union and the enterprise are aiming for!
