Part 3: Dialogue and courage to build harmony
In the context of increasingly complex labor relations, conflict prevention and resolution cannot rely solely on rigid administrative measures. The need for listening and dialogue is essential, as it allows for the resolution of problems and the improvement of policies. Trade unions have continuously demonstrated their capabilities, acting as impartial arbiters to create a harmonious and stable working environment, contributing to the sustainable development of businesses.
Authors: Diep Thanh - Thanh Chung - Phan Trang
Technical: Diep Thanh
In the context of increasingly complex labor relations, conflict prevention and resolution cannot rely solely on rigid administrative measures. The need for listening and dialogue is essential, as it allows for the resolution of problems and the improvement of policies. Trade unions have continuously demonstrated their capabilities, acting as impartial arbiters to create a harmonious and stable working environment, contributing to the sustainable development of businesses.
The need to be heard and to engage in dialogue is one of the essential needs that union members, workers, and laborers desire to have met. Through such listening, problems have a chance to be resolved; conflicts in labor relations have a chance to be addressed; policies have a chance to be improved; and workers themselves have a chance to affirm their position.
Throughout the history of the Nghe An Trade Union, never before have forums for workers been organized as frequently and with such high quality as in recent years. Since the issuance of Resolution 02 of the Politburo on reforming trade union organizations in the new situation, hundreds of forums for union members and workers have been organized at all levels, and thousands of workers' opinions have been recorded and reflected.
A highlight in this series of forums was the first dialogue conference between the Chairman of the People's Committee of Nghe An province and workers, which took place in mid-2022. Since then, many high-quality dialogues have continued to be maintained at the district, sectoral, and grassroots levels. Workers have been given the opportunity to raise their own concerns, and many areas and issues such as housing, childcare, transportation infrastructure, trade union institutions, social insurance, allowances, etc., have been listened to and addressed promptly. Nghe An's trade unions at all levels have also developed many other forum models such as the "Enterprises for Workers - Workers for Enterprises" forum, the "Thank You to the Workers" program, policy dialogues with relevant agencies, and conferences to meet with worker-voter constituents.
Mr. Thai Minh Sy, Vice Chairman of the Provincial Labor Union, shared: “Given the nature of shift work, gathering a large group of workers to understand their thoughts and aspirations, answer their questions, and engage in direct dialogue is very difficult. To overcome this limitation, union officials at all levels have been flexible and creative in their approach to information gathering. For example, they have gone to workers' dormitories to distribute survey forms, visited factories to offer support, used QR codes to record feedback online, and gathered information from grassroots union officials… Based on this information, unions at all levels have made recommendations to relevant agencies and local authorities to make appropriate changes and adjustments, helping to improve workers' lives, ensure their rights are protected, and allow them to work and produce with peace of mind.”
With the aim of listening to the concerns and aspirations of workers and protecting their rights, at the grassroots level, trade union executive committees have been trained, guided, and directed to conduct regular dialogues with business owners. Coordination in implementing grassroots democracy regulations continues to improve. The number and quality of conferences for officials and employees, and workplace dialogue meetings have increased. Annually, 100% of units organize conferences for officials and employees; the rate of dialogue meetings and employee conferences in enterprises reaches 50% - 76%.
In cases of collective work stoppages, strikes, labor disputes, etc., the role of trade union officials is extremely important. They not only need to listen, but also possess the integrity and impartiality to uphold justice.
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Mr. Nguyen Chi Cong – Vice Chairman of the Provincial Labor Union emphasized: “In a collective work stoppage, thousands of workers will have thousands of opinions. Union officials will be the ones directly involved in working with the workers, listening to and synthesizing those opinions into specific groups, examining the situation to negotiate a harmonious balance of interests. Most importantly, with their knowledge of labor law, union officials must know which opinions are right and reasonable, and which are wrong and unreasonable. This is where union officials demonstrate their skill in engaging with both workers and employers.”
A prime example is Viet Glory Co., Ltd. (Dien Chau), a company that experienced three collective work stoppages in its first three years of operation. After the initial two periods of unrest, the workers themselves demanded the establishment of a trade union. A grassroots trade union was formed in March 2021. In the most recent strike in October 2023, nearly 6,000 workers stopped working with eight groups of demands regarding wages and benefits. With the skillful and empathetic intervention of the trade union, the workers were clearly explained the legal regulations, and the company was persuaded to reconsider its welfare benefits. After five days of tension, the workers agreed to return to work. Currently, Viet Glory Co., Ltd. not only has stable production but has also developed a new, large-scale, modern factory and employs over 8,000 workers. Business operations and labor relations at this company are increasingly thriving. The company's General Director, Mr. Yao Xiao Qian, expressed his gratitude: "We are truly grateful for the companionship and support of the Nghe An Provincial Trade Union and Dien Chau District over the years. Without you, the company would not be where it is today."
BSE Electronics Co., Ltd. (Nam Cam) is also a company that has repeatedly experienced collective work stoppages. Ms. Hoang Thi Thu Huong, Chairwoman of the Trade Union of the Southeast Economic Zone, recounted an incident in late April 2024 when the company reassigned some elderly workers to cleaning duties and denied leave to workers whose parents had passed away, causing resentment among the workforce: “In this situation, the company failed to understand the basic moral principles, traditions, and culture of Vietnamese people. Therefore, we had to both persuade and reassure the workers while explaining the issue clearly to the company. Besides being well-versed in the law, we also needed to be resolute when necessary and to analyze the situation with empathy and reason.”
In the context of integration and development, fostering a sense of responsibility among workers towards their homeland and country is a key factor in consolidating ideological security. The Nghe An Trade Union has implemented many creative and appropriate methods to ignite class pride and patriotism among its workforce.
Given the demanding work schedules and stressful working hours of direct laborers, many businesses, especially FDI enterprises, lack Party branches, making it difficult to disseminate Party guidelines and resolutions, State policies and laws, and cultivate patriotism. To overcome this, the propaganda work of the Nghe An Provincial Trade Union has undergone many innovations, with creative models and approaches adapted to modern information trends and the needs of union members and workers, building a positive image and fostering trust among union members.
In celebration of International Labor Day on May 1st and Workers' Month 2025, the atmosphere in industrial zones and factories throughout Nghe An province is more vibrant than usual. Everywhere is ablaze with the sacred red color – the red of the national flag, of ideals and aspirations for national development. Instead of parades or grand festivals, the patriotism of Nghe An workers is expressed through simple yet sincere gestures. Rows of factories are adorned with the red flag with a yellow star and the hammer and sickle flag: on walls, on conveyor belts, on desks, and even in potted plants. Many grassroots trade unions and businesses have designed dedicated check-in corners within their companies to show their love for the nation, and many foreign workers are also enthusiastically participating.
Not only are flags displayed, but each worker themselves is also a vibrant red flag. Following the initiative of the grassroots trade union, workers have invested in uniforms featuring the red flag with a yellow star, pledging to paint their workplaces red with undeniable pride. Trade unions at all levels have organized a series of meaningful activities such as blood donation, visiting workers in difficult circumstances, sports and cultural events, and activities commemorating their roots… Organizing these activities helps workers experience and express their pride and love for their homeland.
On April 29, 2025, tens of thousands of workers in Nghe An simultaneously saluted the flag and sang the national anthem at their workplaces. This program was maintained throughout May, and many businesses decided to maintain this ritual as a mandatory regulation, with strong support from the workers.
The emulation movements launched by trade unions also have similar significance. Mr. Kha Van Tam, Chairman of the Provincial Federation of Labor, emphasized: “Launching emulation movements is about unleashing the inherent strength of union members and workers. Therefore, emulation movements must be focused, targeted, and not merely 형식적인 (formalistic). At the same time, they must be practical and linked to the political functions and tasks of the agency or unit.” The “Excellent Worker, Creative Worker” emulation movement continues to promote its role, affirming the core and overarching value in the emulation movements of trade unions. Specialized emulation movements such as “Excellent in National Service - Competent in Family Responsibilities”, “Green, Clean, Beautiful, Ensuring Occupational Safety and Health”, and “Culture - Sports” are also widely implemented…
With that spirit, Nghe An has always stood out with impressive achievements in creative emulation movements, such as the "75,000 Initiatives to Overcome Difficulties and Develop" Program and the "1 Million Initiatives - Striving to Overcome Difficulties, Innovating, and Determined to Win Against the Pandemic" Program.
Continuing this movement, at the 2025 Creative Labor Forum, the Nghe An Provincial Trade Union announced the "Nghe An Workers Following Uncle Ho's Teachings" Award, honoring 22 individuals with outstanding achievements in creative labor. Vice President of the Vietnam General Confederation of Labor, Huynh Thanh Xuan, affirmed: "The initiatives and innovations of the workers and laborers of Nghe An have contributed to enhancing the competitiveness of businesses and promoting the socio-economic development of the province and the country. It is you who have transformed difficulties into opportunities, and challenges into motivation to rise strongly."
