Strikes and the status of trade unions in Nghe An
(Baonghean.vn) - From the latest strike at VietGlory Company, looking back at the strikes in Nghe An up to now, it can be affirmed that: The trade union organization is gradually asserting its position and maturity.
From a specific event
After the incidentstrike at VietGlory Company Limitedlocated in Dien Truong commune (Dien Chau), on the morning of February 19, the company's leadership went to the headquarters of the Dien Chau District Labor Federation to express their gratitude and expressed their desire to establish a trade union as soon as possible. This cooperation and consensus is in complete contrast to the previous distance and caution.
 |
| Workers of VietGlory Company Limited returned to work on February 18. Photo: Dien Chau District Labor Federation. |
Mr. Vu Duy Tu - Vice Chairman of Dien Chau District Labor Federation shared: “Although established in 2019, VietGlory Company Limited always used the excuse of being in vocational training to refuse to establish a grassroots union. Every time we contacted and persuaded them, they were cautious and indifferent. Even when the District Labor Federation came down to support hand sanitizer and masks for workers to prevent and fight the Covid-19 epidemic, they refused to accept them. After the recent strike, their attitude has completely changed.”
Previously, on February 16, nearly 1,400 workers of VietGlory Company Limited organized astrikeon the first day back to work after Tet holiday. The cause of the strike came from the unsolved demands for workers' rights before Tet around the issue of salary increase when increasing production; fuel allowance; increased meal allowance; long-term workers must have overtime pay...
 |
| Chairman of Dien Chau District Labor Federation Pham Duc Cuong talks with workers during the strike at VietGlory Company Limited on February 16. Photo: Dien Chau District Labor Federation. |
Immediately after receiving the information, the District Labor Federation went to the company, grasped the situation, instructed the company to collect workers' opinions and work with the board of directors to resolve the workers' petitions. From its experience in handling strikes, the Executive Committee of the Dien Chau District Labor Federation predicted the workers' attitudes towards resolving petitions in the Notice dated February 16 and Decision dated February 17. What worried union officials the most was that the strike took place at a time when the Covid-19 epidemic was extremely complicated; therefore,strikeThis needs to be dealt with as quickly as possible.
The moment thousands of workers applauded when Chairman of Dien Chau District Labor Federation Pham Duc Cuong stood up to introduce and share once again affirmed the important role of the trade union organization in the enterprise. Under the skillful and reasonable advice of the District Labor Federation, the company's leaders added more policies that benefited the workers, and the workers quickly returned to work on February 18.
“Although there was an announcement that workers would return to work as usual, on the morning of February 18, we still wore civilian clothes and were present at the company from 6:30 a.m. to observe and grasp the situation. Only when we saw with our own eyes all workers entering the factory and stabilizing their work could we feel secure. In the coming time, the District Labor Federation will continue to accompany the company in establishing a trade union, supervising the implementation of policies for workers, and organizing dialogue between the parties...”
Growing up after strikes
As a unit highly appreciated by the Provincial Federation of Labor in resolving strikes, the Trade UnionSoutheast Economic ZoneNot only do we have valuable experience in handling strikes, but we also do a good job in preventing illegal strikes. Ms. Tran Thi Nguyet - Vice President of the Southeast Economic Zone Trade Union shared: “Strikes take place in different places and are completely different from what is recorded in books and documents, so trade union officials must be flexible, well-equipped with soft skills and make workers understand that they respect them and are their friends. There are strikes where we have to follow the workers for many days, eat with them, talk to them, and convince their leaders; there are strikes where we get information from the workers before the strike takes place, and promptly disseminate it to each group and each boarding house. There are also strikes where we have to let the workers feel the consequences of lack of cooperation and deliberately causing difficulties...Union OfficerIt is necessary to show both businesses and workers the consequences of strikes, thereby resolving problems in the fastest and most reasonable way.
 |
| According to Ms. Hoang Thi Thu Huong - Head of Policy and Law Department of Nghe An Provincial Labor Federation, to resolve the strike, union officials must make workers trust. Photo: Document. |
Ms. Hoang Thi Thu Huong - Head of Policy and Law DepartmentProvincial Federation of LaborNghe An believes that to control the situation of a strike, union officials must be calm, have a firm grasp of legal regulations, and have the skills to persuade and negotiate. Recalling her memories of resolving the strike, Ms. Huong smiled and recalled: “Once, when we went to negotiate with the business owner, they avoided us by making us wait for a long time in a room without fans or water in the middle of a summer heat wave. When we left, the workers thought we came to receive envelopes and were on the side of the business. But in the end, sincerity and perseverance helped us resolve the matter and clear up misunderstandings.”
According to Ms. Huong’s experience, when facing hundreds or thousands of workers, union officials need to show friendliness and closeness, using easy-to-understand and simple language. Even a few humorous, timely words can be very effective in calming the situation. After the strike is resolved, the union must continue to accompany the business and workers in organizing dialogue and monitoring the implementation of recommendations.
 |
| Vice Chairman of the Provincial Labor Federation Nguyen Chi Cong talks with workers during a strike. Photo: Archive. |
“In recent strikes, the provincial Federation of Labor has mostly just stood at a distance to grasp information, the situation and give advice without having to go directly to resolve them. From the experience of resolving strikes, the grassroots trade unions have matured a lot. Not only do they calmly resolve strikes when they occur, but union officials also do a great job of preventing strikes. When union officials are more steadfast and courageous, the position of the trade union organization will be affirmed.”
According to statistics, from 2010 to 2020, the whole province had nearly 30 strikes. On average, there were 2-4 strikes per year. The strikes were mainly for benefits and most of the petitions were resolved. This change shows that the rights of workers are increasingly guaranteed.