Listen to the workers' opinions.
(Baonghean.vn) - The need to be heard is one of the needs that union members, workers, and laborers want to have met. Through such listening, obstacles have the opportunity to be resolved, policies have the opportunity to be improved, and workers and laborers themselves can affirm their position.
"The overall picture" from the proposals
At the conferencevoter outreachAt a recent meeting between National Assembly representatives and workers in Dien Chau district, Nghe An province, the National Assembly delegation recorded many opinions and suggestions from 130 workers. This was the second thematic meeting between National Assembly representatives and workers in the province.
In her speech, worker Ta Thi Diem (WooinVina Co., Ltd.) said: “Currently, the economic situation is very difficult, workers are losing their jobs, having their working hours reduced, and their lives are being affected. I hope that the authorities will take measures to help us stabilize our lives. In addition, I request that all levels and sectors soon make decisions to build social housing and kindergards for the children of workers so that they can focus on production.”
Worker Tran Thi Thuy (MLB Yen Thanh Co., Ltd.) expressed her concern: “As far as I know, the draft revised Social Insurance Law has two options for withdrawing social insurance contributions in a lump sum. However, we workers do not want to withdraw social insurance contributions in a lump sum. Due to difficult circumstances, low wages, and insufficient income to live on, we are forced to withdraw to cover immediate living expenses. I propose that the National Assembly study and regulate the withdrawal of social insurance contributions in a lump sum that is consistent with the needs and wishes of workers.”
Also at this forum, Mr. Ho Duc Chuong (VietGlory Co., Ltd.) frankly stated: “Currently, some businesses have employers who do not fully comply with labor laws, violate the rights of workers, and do not listen to the concerns and aspirations of employees. This leads to labor conflicts and illegal collective work stoppages and strikes. We propose that the competent authorities take decisive action to curb the violation of labor laws by employers in businesses.”
Above are 3 of the 18 opinions and suggestions from union members and workers that were discussed enthusiastically at the event. From these opinions, one can envision a broader picture of the difficult living conditions faced by a significant portion of workers. The needs for housing, cultural facilities, and childcare for workers' children remain unmet; some benefits and policies are not guaranteed and still face obstacles in implementation. Many workers have lost their jobs or experienced reduced incomes while market prices continue to rise, making their lives even more difficult. Furthermore, outstanding social insurance, health insurance, and unemployment insurance contributions persist. Issues related to employment, wages, working hours, and working conditions in some units and enterprises are not being implemented in accordance with the law.
Furthermore, the educational level, professional skills, and vocational abilities of workers and laborers do not yet meet new requirements. The implementation of democratic regulations in some areas is inadequate, leading to continued collective work stoppages that negatively impact production, business, and the overall development of the province. In the current context of attracting investment, this situation becomes even more problematic.
Sharing his thoughts after this forum, Mr. Nguyen Manh Tuan - Vice ChairmanLabor UnionYen Thanh district stated: “All 18 opinions raised are pressing issues directly related to the lives of workers. This shows that, despite the attention from Party committees, government agencies, departments, mass organizations, and businesses in the province, the lives of workers and laborers still face many shortcomings. Among these, some shortcomings have existed for many years but have not yet been thoroughly addressed.”
Small Forum - Big Meaning
Not only at voter outreach meetings, but also during this year's Workers' Month, forums for listening and sharing have been strongly implemented by trade unions at all levels.
Also on this occasion, in Nam Dan district, the District Labor Union, in coordination with the District Social Insurance Office, organized a dialogue conference on social insurance, health insurance, unemployment insurance, labor law, and occupational safety and health for workers at Haivina Kim Lien Co., Ltd. At this forum, workers were informed and introduced to the main contents of various types of insurance, regulations on the responsibilities of employers and employees; and the benefits and policies for employees working at the unit/enterprise. More than 20 opinions were recognized at the conference, focusing on topics such as: Procedures and processes for early retirement; Benefits for those who have paid health insurance for 5 consecutive years; Cases in which employees are entitled to unemployment insurance; Maternity leave; State regulations regarding strenuous and hazardous work, lump-sum insurance withdrawals, and benefits and policies for workers are stipulated in the Labor Law...
After participating in this forum, Ms. Pham Thi Thuy, a worker at Haivina Kim Lien Co., Ltd., said: “The dialogue took place in a very lively and effective atmosphere. We workers felt happy to have representatives from the District Labor Union and the District Social Insurance agency answer our questions specifically, clearly, and in accordance with the newly enacted law. I have gained a lot of useful knowledge.”
In Tan Ky district, a similar forum directly addressed the difficulties and problems faced by workers and promptly provided additional knowledge about policies, raising awareness of law compliance among employers and workers. To prepare for the dialogue conference, the organizing committee reviewed and compiled opinions and suggestions related to policies and regulations of concern to workers. In addition to the opinions compiled and answered previously, the conference recorded 25 more opinions from union members and workers, demonstrating the high demand for information sharing and access among workers.
As someone who regularly conducts dialogue programs and provides direct legal advice to union members and workers, Ms. Hoang Thi Thu Huong - President of the Trade Union of the Southeast Economic Zone - shared: “One of the biggest difficulties when organizing forums for workers is time. On weekdays, it is very difficult for workers to leave the factory and participate in dialogues organized by the grassroots trade union, and it is also difficult for businesses to provide support. However, once these forums are organized, they are valuable opportunities to get closer to the workers, listen directly to their thoughts and aspirations, and better understand their lives…”
With over 13,000 active businesses, 230,000workersWorkers in Nghe An need more forums where they can speak, be listened to, share their experiences, and receive support.
