Creating innovative models for improving the lives of trade union members.
From the "Workplace Safety Culture Corner" model to livelihood programs, dialogues, and heartwarming meals, the Trade Union continues to affirm its role as a solid "support system," comprehensively caring for the lives of its members.
"Safe Corner" - an innovative solution for union members.
At the Song Hieu Agricultural and Forestry Products Processing Enterprise (Thai Hoa ward) in late July, amidst the noisy and dusty production workshop, a space is bathed in green.trade unionIt has just been completed and is called: "The Workplace Safety Culture Corner".
The wood processing industry is inherently a harsh and risky work environment. Workers face daily exposure to wood dust, deafening noise, and the dangers of sharp saw blades and high-powered electrical equipment. Ms. Hoang Thi Oanh, Chairwoman of the Thai Hoa Ward Trade Union, expressed her concern: “From practical experience, we realize that safety shouldn’t just be about issuing dry regulations on paper. The most important thing is to cultivate a sense of safety and a culture of safety in every breath and every action of each worker. To achieve this, regulations need to be made more accessible and relatable.”
Driven by this concern, the Trade Union of Thai Hoa Ward boldly chose Song Hieu Wood Processing Enterprise to build its first pilot model, transforming legal regulations into a daily, voluntary habit.
Located in the central, busiest area of the workshop, the "Workplace Safety Culture Corner" is scientifically designed with an area of approximately 20 square meters. Looking at it, one sees a vivid, visual model instead of cluttered boards filled with text. The most interesting highlight is the "1 Minute of Safety at the Start of the Shift" instruction board. In just 60 seconds of observing, identifying hazards, and checking protective equipment before pressing the start button, the worker creates an effective protective shield for themselves.
In addition, there are practical functional areas, from first-aid kits and legal bookshelves to display areas showcasing sample protective equipment such as dust masks and earplugs. Notably, this space also features a "Connecting Ao Dai Cabinet" – located right next to the protective equipment. This is where traditional Vietnamese dresses are exchanged between female union members and workers.
To bring this model to life, the Thai Hoa Ward Trade Union demonstrated dynamism by strongly mobilizing social resources. “In the context of limited trade union funds, we mobilized the cooperation of pharmaceutical companies, schools, and the Board of Directors of Song Hieu Company. Accordingly, the company invested in infrastructure, awnings, and cooling fans; the Trade Union handled the publicity, bookshelves, and medicine cabinets,” shared Ms. Hoang Thi Oanh.
As a new innovation in operations, the effectiveness of the model is measured by the change in workers' mindset. Mr. Duong Ngoc Thanh - Chairman of the Trade Union of Song Hieu Agricultural and Forestry Products Processing Enterprise noted: “Given the unique characteristics of the wood processing industry, even a moment of carelessness with saws and planers can lead to unforeseen consequences. Therefore, the "Workplace Safety Culture Corner" will contribute to protecting the enterprise's greatest asset - the health and lives of its workers. After its construction, workers evaluated the safety corner as visually appealing, easy to monitor, and regularly reminded of safety regulations during work. The support of sponsoring units with first-aid kits, bookshelves, and connected wardrobes has transformed a sterile production workshop into a humane working environment where workers feel truly cared for comprehensively.”
The Thai Hoa Ward Trade Union hopes that by 2030, at least 30% of businesses in the area will have built "peaceful corners" like this.
"The ecosystem" provides comprehensive care.
While the "Workplace Safety Culture Corner" focuses on safety in labor and production, other welfare activities of trade unions at all levels throughout the province have been vibrant in many different aspects. This dynamism and creativity are no longer confined to written reports but have permeated every meal, every step, and even the "mailbox number"Modern, meeting the specific needs of workers in the new era."
The Trade Unions of Thai Hoa and Truong Vinh wards have officially launched the "Digital Trade Union Mailbox," considered a "rapid response" channel, allowing union members to express their thoughts, ideas, or suggestions regarding their rights with just a few taps on their smartphones. In the digital age, bridging the gap between trade unions and workers through the online environment is the clearest evidence of the spirit of innovation.
Besides technology, family economic problems are also being solved through more sustainable models than simply providing gifts. The establishment of the "Trade Union Livelihood Club" in Thai Hoa ward is a prime example. Immediately after its establishment, the unit granted loan support to 7 union members in difficult circumstances to develop their businesses, giving them a foundation to rise up on their own.
Recently, numerous high-quality canteen meals have been implemented and spread across many units throughout the province. At An Nam Matsuoka Garment Co., Ltd., the "Trade Union Meal" program attracted more than 3,200 union members and workers in a warm and cohesive atmosphere. In Nghia Dan commune, the commune's Trade Union collaborated with Thang Nam Forestry Joint Stock Company to upgrade the value of meals, affirming that the health of workers is the most valuable asset of the enterprise…
In addition, the series of direct dialogue programs has created a positive effect and yielded noteworthy results. In Hoang Mai ward, Quan Thanh commune, or at Luxshare-ICT Co., Ltd. (Nghe An)..., the "Listening to Union Members and Workers Speak" forum has become a truly democratic space. Here, all questions about wages, social insurance, or working conditions are directly and satisfactorily answered by leaders at all levels and business owners, transforming potential grievances into understanding and sharing.
The competitive atmosphere was further fueled by vibrant cultural and sports activities, dispelling the fatigue after work. Running events such as "Youth Union Member's Footsteps - Trade Union Accompanying" in Quy Hop commune and the first "Thanh Vinh Trade Union" race attracted hundreds of athletes. The message "Healthy to work, healthy to contribute" was strongly disseminated, creating a dynamic and resilient community of workers. The "Excellent Trade Union Cadre and Member" skills competition in Vinh Phu ward, with its folk song and theatrical performances, helped to improve the professional skills of grassroots cadres in a gentle yet profound way...
It is evident that the Trade Union organization in Nghe An has been and continues to affirm its role as a solid "bridge" between businesses and workers. Each model is a building block in fostering trust, helping union members feel secure and committed to contributing to the sustainable development of businesses and their homeland.