After implementing the merger of localities and officially establishing commune and ward trade unions from July 1, 2025, grassroots-level trade union organizations are forced to adapt to a wider management space, more diverse areas and richer union members.
When the scale changes, the operating method cannot be kept the same as before. If not innovated, not "closer to the people" in many senses, trade union activities at the grassroots level will easily fall into a situation of spreading out or formalism. More importantly, commune and ward trade unions, if they do not proactively innovate themselves, will find it difficult to meet the expectations of union members and people in the new context.
It is in that context that this year's Tet season has shown a remarkable transformation of the commune and ward trade union system in Da Nang. Grassroots trade unions no longer organize activities according to a common template, but flexibly based on the specific characteristics of each area after the merger.
Some places focus on disadvantaged workers; some places target children who are union members; some places expand to vulnerable groups in the residential community. All reflect a new mindset: trade unions are not only narrowed down within the internal scope but also linked to the overall social life at the grassroots level.
A noteworthy point is that commune and ward trade unions have proactively coordinated closely with the Fatherland Front and socio-political organizations, creating synchronization in social security care. After the merger, the area is wider, requiring closer linkages; and trade unions have chosen the path of cooperation instead of individual activities.
A new face is also reflected in the capacity to mobilize social resources. As the scope of management expands, the need for care increases, grassroots trade unions cannot only rely on limited funding.
The fact that commune and ward trade unions in Da Nang proactively mobilize businesses, philanthropists and units in the area to contribute to help people in general and union members in particular have a warmer Tet shows maturity in organizational skills and resource management.
More importantly, this innovation helps consolidate the position of the trade union in the eyes of the people. When the commune and ward trade unions after the merger are not confused but quickly adapt and organize appropriate and practical activities, trust is maintained.
From being seen only as a representative organization in labor relations, trade unions are gradually being seen as a social institution closely associated with the community at the grassroots level.
Remember at the commune and ward trade union meeting in September 2025, Ms. Phan Thi Thuy Linh - Chairwoman of the Da Nang City Labor Federation once emphasized the requirement: "Commune and ward trade unions now must change their way of thinking and working, must be proactive, creative, think differently, do differently so that work and products can be created...
Binh Ngo Tet 2026 can therefore be seen as the first "test" for the commune and ward trade union model after July 1, 2025 as well as the innovation requirement of Ms. Phan Thi Thuy Linh.
And what is happening shows that that test and the requirement for innovation have initially brought positive signals. The change in operating methods – from passive to proactive, from closed to expanded, from stereotypical to flexible – is creating a new face for grassroots trade unions.
When knowing how to innovate themselves, commune and ward trade unions not only complete their tasks but also open up a more sustainable development path in the future.
