The role of trade unions with workers remains obscure.

(Baonghean.vn) - Many grassroots unions still do not care about the legitimate interests of workers and do not grasp the wishes and thoughts of workers.

On the morning of August 24, the Provincial People's Committee held a scientific workshop on innovation in organization and operation of Nghe An trade unions in the context of international economic integration.

Attending the workshop were members of the Provincial Party Committee: Huynh Thanh Dien - Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee; Vo Thi Minh Sinh - Deputy Head of the Provincial Party Committee's Organizing Committee; Tran Quoc Thanh - Director of the Department of Science and Technology; Nguyen Tu Phuong - Chairman of the Provincial Labor Federation; representatives of the Vietnam General Confederation of Labor and a number of relevant departments and branches.

Overview of the workshop. Photo: Tien Hung.

According to Mr. Nguyen Tu Phuong, currently the whole province has nearly 16,000 enterprises with about 70,000 workers. However, only 453 enterprises have trade unions. “In the first 6 months of this year, there were no collective labor disputes or strikes. But in the period 2010 - 2016, the whole province had 21 strikes,” Mr. Phuong said, adding that this figure shows that strikes are showing signs of increasing in recent years.

Some strikes have been long and difficult to resolve, such as the one at Matrix Vinh Company in 2016, which involved about 3,000 workers. This strike lasted from October 3 to October 12, forcing the company to close down. “Most of the strikes in the past have not followed the procedures and regulations of the law,” said Mr. Phuong, adding that the strikes in recent years in Nghe An have affected the province’s economy and society. Mr. Phuong is concerned that if more strikes occur, investors will hesitate and reconsider investing in Nghe An.

Strike at Matrix Vinh Company. Photo archive.

Mr. Nguyen Chi Cong - Head of the Policy and Law Department (Nghe An Labor Federation), said that many workers have not yet received attention and protection of their rights from the union. “The lives of workers are still too difficult. Wages are low. Working conditions are not up to standard, still hot and dusty. Working hours are still long, overtime is too much….”, Mr. Cong stated.

Meanwhile, according to this person, the grassroots trade unions have not grasped the wishes and thoughts of the workers to convey to the business owners. They have not really cared about the interests of the workers. The strikes that have taken place are not led by the trade unions. The trade unions do not even know when the strikes will take place...

Workers' lives in Nghe An still face many difficulties. Photo courtesy

Some delegates pointed out many reasons for these limitations, including the fact that many grassroots union leaders are currently transferred from commune-level civil servants. Many do not even have a clear understanding of labor relations, leading to poor management.

At the workshop, delegates said that Nghe An needs to promote the establishment of trade union organizations, so that grassroots trade unions can be present and perform their functions in all enterprises, especially small enterprises; Promote dialogue to remove obstacles, build harmonious and stable labor relations; Minimize labor disputes...

Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee Huynh Thanh Dien spoke at the workshop. Photo: Tien Hung

“In reality, the effectiveness of trade unions is still weak and inadequate. While many large enterprises have been investing in Nghe An with foreign elements, innovation in trade union organization and activities is necessary,” emphasized Vice Chairman of the Provincial People’s Committee Huynh Thanh Dien. He also said that relevant agencies and organizations need to come up with specific solutions; Innovation within the legal framework, in line with the policies of the Party and State. If there are any regulatory problems, they can be petitioned to the Central Government for resolution./.

Tien Hung