The inevitable transformation of trade unions.

The Nghe An Trade Union has officially taken its first steps on its journey of transformation in the new era.

The determination of the entire system

Objectives of the implementation planResolution No. 02-NQ/TWThe Politburo's directive on reforming the organization and operation of the Vietnam Trade Union in the new situation aims to build a strong and comprehensive Nghe An Trade Union organization capable of representing and protecting the legitimate rights and interests of workers; proactively adapting and being flexible in performing its functions and tasks, meeting practical requirements; being a strong political organization of the Provincial Party Committee, serving as a bridge and maintaining close ties between the Party Committee, the government, and workers; worthy of being the largest representative organization, a center for gathering and uniting citizens and workers; contributing to building an increasingly strong working class in Nghe An.

The Nghe An Provincial Party Committee has issued a plan to implement Resolution No. 02-NQ/TW of the Politburo on reforming the organization and operation of the Vietnam Trade Union.

The plan has thoroughly grasped the situation, causes, guiding principles, objectives, tasks, and key solutions outlined in Resolution No. 02-NQ/TW, creating a high degree of unity in awareness and action among Party committees, government agencies, officials, Party members, and the entire political system throughout the province. From this, it has proactively developed programs and plans for implementation that are accurate, effective, and create comprehensive and strong development in line with the spirit of Resolution 02-NQ/TW.

The innovation of the trade union organization is demonstrated by specific targets. Accordingly, by 2023, the province aims to have 175,000 trade union members, of which approximately 46% are workers in enterprises; over 80% of enterprises and units with trade union organizations will have signed collective labor agreements, organized employee conferences, and conducted workplace dialogues. The project to build a trade union facility in the Bac Vinh Industrial Park and the project to upgrade and repair the Provincial Labor Cultural Center will also be implemented.

By 2025, the province aims to have 190,000 trade union members, with approximately 50% being workers.in businesses100% of businesses with 25 or more workers have established a grassroots trade union organization, with a membership rate of 95%; over 80% of businesses with trade unions negotiate and sign collective labor agreements, organize employee conferences, and conduct workplace dialogues.

By 2030, the goal is to reach 230,000 trade union members, with approximately over 60% being workers in enterprises; 90% or more of workers in enterprises with trade unions will be trade union members; in places without a labor representative organization, the majority of workers will be organized and participate in some trade union activities; 85% of units and enterprises with trade union organizations will have signed collective labor agreements, organized worker conferences, and conducted workplace dialogues; and 100% of industrial zones throughout the province will have facilities serving workers.

Workers at Thung Lai Gas Lighter Manufacturing Co., Ltd. Photo: Hoang Trung

By 2045, the majority of workers at the grassroots level will be union members; 99% of enterprises with trade unions will have signed collective bargaining agreements, organized employee conferences, and engaged in workplace dialogue.

The plan also outlined six tasks and solutions to realize the above targets. These include: strengthening the Party's leadership over the organization and activities of trade unions; innovating and improving the effectiveness of gathering and mobilizing union members and workers; focusing on developing union membership and establishing grassroots trade unions; building a professional team of trade union officials with sufficient qualities and capabilities to meet the requirements of the new situation; innovating the content and methods of operation of the Nghe An Trade Union to meet the requirements of the new situation; building sufficient financial resources to effectively perform the functions and tasks of the trade union organization; and strengthening and improving the effectiveness of coordination between state agencies, the Fatherland Front, political and social organizations, economic organizations, social organizations and trade unions.

Expecting changes

This is the shared sentiment of many trade union officials, members, and workers in the business sector regarding the contents of Resolution No. 02-NQ/TW dated June 12, 2021, on reforming the organization and operation of the Vietnam Trade Union in the new situation. This reform not only brings rights and benefits to trade union members in general but also has many positive impacts on many other groups.

The Nghia Dan district's grassroots trade union cooks meals for returning workers at quarantine facilities. Photo: PV

Established in 2012, BSE Vietnam Electronics Co., Ltd. initially faced numerous challenges. The foreign owner and Vietnamese workers not only clashed over language and culture but also had conflicting interests and viewpoints. Unable to resolve these tensions, strikes occurred. The Chairman of the company's Trade Union, Mr. Nguyen Anh Thuong, recalled: "Under the care, guidance, and support of the Executive Committee of the Southeast Economic Zone Trade Union, the members of the company's Trade Union Executive Committee explained, guided, and discussed with the company's leadership. After that, the business owner clearly understood the importance of the trade union organization and cooperated with the union to implement activities to care for the lives of the workers. In my role as the head of professional affairs and leader of trade union activities, I realize that the trade union organization plays an extremely important bridging role in the production and business activities of the enterprise. It acts on behalf of the business owner to understand the thoughts and aspirations of the workers, reflect their opinions, and motivate and encourage workers to be self-motivated and conscientious in their work, thereby helping the enterprise to arrange labor rationally to maximize the efficiency of its resources."

Organizing monthly birthday celebrations for employees is a regular activity at many grassroots trade unions. Photo: PV

Two months ago, during the recent outbreak of the pandemic, the Dien Chau District Labor Union established a new grassroots trade union – Nhat Huy Stone Processing Joint Stock Company, part of the Nhat Huy Group. More than anyone else, the leaders of these businesses understand the importance of trade unions, especially during difficult times. At Viet Home Stone Joint Stock Company (Nghia Dan) – also part of this group – the role of the trade union has been very successful. Mr. Nguyen Huy Cong – Chairman of the Trade Union of Viet Home Stone Joint Stock Company – shared: “When the pandemic hit, and businesses struggled and workers faced hardship, that’s when the trade union’s role became most evident. Not only did it provide material support, but it also served as a source of moral support for both the business and the workers, acting as a bridge of empathy and motivation for both sides. Understanding this, the group decided to establish trade unions in all its subsidiaries.”

From her perspective, Ms. Dang Thi Thuy, a worker renting accommodation in the Bac Vinh Industrial Park, confided: “The activities of the trade union organization are becoming increasingly substantive and practical. The union is not only present at the company and factory but also goes to workers' rented accommodations to share and support them, which we greatly appreciate. Because of this, we feel more secure working in businesses with established trade unions. Regarding the plan for reforming the Nghe An trade union, I have high expectations for the trade union institutions and the counseling center and hotline to support workers. I'm sure union members and workers will benefit greatly from these reforms.”

Mr. Kha Van Tam - Chairman of the Provincial Labor Union, visits and presents gifts to workers in difficult circumstances. Photo: DT

Looking at the targets for membership development in the coming period, Mr. Nguyen Chi Cong – Vice Chairman of the Provincial Labor Union emphasized: “This target requiresTrade Unions at all levels in Nghe AnMore practical solutions are needed to eliminate the gaps and voids in trade union activities within enterprises. The first and most important solution in the coming period is to innovate the working methods of trade unions, especially those in enterprises, so that workers truly trust in the support of the trade union. Enterprise trade unions must provide more material and spiritual benefits to their members, creating a distinction in rights between union members and non-union workers.”