On November 22nd, the Gio Linh District Labor Union held a ceremony to announce the establishment of the Cua Viet Town Fishery Union. At the ceremony, 60 new members were admitted to the union and the official establishment decision for the Cua Viet Town Fishery Union was presented. This is the first grassroots fishery union in Quang Tri province to be established, aiming to unite fishermen and workers engaged in marine resource exploitation, contributing to the protection of the nation's maritime sovereignty and islands.
Fishermen in Cua Viet town prepare to set sail - Photo: D.T.
Solutions for gathering workers to join the Vietnam Trade Union organization.
Analyzing the necessity of establishing grassroots trade unions in general, and the Cua Viet Town Fisheries Trade Union in particular, the Standing Vice President of the Quang Tri Provincial Federation of Labor, Nguyen Thi Hoai Le, stated that Article 10 of the Constitution of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam defines the Vietnam Trade Union as a socio -political organization of the working class and laborers, established on a voluntary basis, representing laborers, caring for and protecting the legitimate rights and interests of laborers; participating in state management, socio-economic management; propagating and mobilizing laborers to study, improve their professional skills, abide by the law, and build and protect the Fatherland; this is further concretized through the 2012 Trade Union Law and the Charter of the Vietnam Trade Union.
According to the Charter of the Vietnam Trade Union, in addition to grassroots trade unions in agencies, units, and enterprises, grassroots trade unions, which gather legally self-employed workers in the same industry, profession, geographical area, or employing unit, are established when there are 5 or more trade union members or 5 or more workers who voluntarily apply to join the Vietnam Trade Union.
Over more than 9 years of formation and development, from the initial establishment of the first two pilot grassroots fisheries unions in Quang Ngai province, to date, 90 grassroots fisheries unions have been established nationwide in 16 out of 28 coastal provinces and cities, with nearly 18,000 members and 5,239 fishing vessels with engine power exceeding 90 horsepower or a length of 15 meters or more.
The Vietnam Fisheries Union has gradually affirmed its role as an organization representing the legitimate rights and interests of its members and fishermen at sea, contributing to the development and building of a modern and sustainable Vietnamese fisheries sector, and contributing to the nation-building process and the protection of the country's maritime sovereignty and islands.
In Quang Tri province, surveys conducted by the Provincial Labor Union have revealed that, over the years, a significant number of workers, approximately 200, have been employed on fishing vessels. However, these workers lack an organization to protect their rights. Furthermore, this type of operation is characterized by frequent changes and fragmentation.
Based on the above experience, the Standing Committee of the Provincial Labor Union has focused on directing and considering the establishment of grassroots trade unions to gather legally employed workers in the fishing industry as a solution to attract workers to join the Vietnam Trade Union organization.
“We have coordinated with relevant levels and sectors to promote and encourage fishermen in Cua Viet town to join the grassroots fisheries trade union. The workers understand that by joining the union, their legitimate rights and interests will be cared for and protected by the trade union. The union will also relay the workers' opinions and aspirations to the competent authorities for resolution.”
Trade unions serve as a source of moral support, a place where members share, support, encourage, and help each other in their work and lives. They also serve as a platform for disseminating information and mobilizing members to implement the Party's guidelines and policies, the State's laws and regulations, and encouraging members to strive in labor and production, contributing to the development of their homeland.
"Therefore, in the past period, 60 fishermen in Cua Viet town have applied to join the Vietnam Trade Union and established the Cua Viet Town Fishery Union as a place for union members to participate in activities," Ms. Nguyen Thi Hoai Le shared.
Implement activities that bring practical benefits to union members.
As members of the Vietnam Trade Union, union members have rights and obligations as stipulated by regulations. Specifically, the duties and powers of the Cua Viet Town Fishery Union include, first and foremost, representing union members in relations with local authorities and relevant agencies; caring for and protecting the legitimate rights and interests of union members; gathering opinions and aspirations of union members to find solutions for support and assistance, or reflecting, recommending, and proposing solutions to competent authorities.
To disseminate information and mobilize union members and workers to implement the Party's guidelines and policies, the State's laws and regulations, and the tasks of the trade union organization; to guide the implementation of regimes, policies, and laws related to the lives and working conditions of workers.
In addition, the organization launches patriotic emulation movements; mobilizes union members and workers to participate in cultural and social activities, and helps each other in their professions and lives. It actively shares fishing grounds, promotes linkages in product consumption and logistics services for the fishing industry.
Participate in search and rescue operations, providing timely information to relevant authorities regarding maritime rescue operations, damaged vessels, and accidents, illnesses, and diseases affecting workers, so that appropriate support can be provided. Combat and prevent social evils. Develop and manage union membership; build strong grassroots unions; participate in building a clean and strong Party and government. Manage and utilize union finances and assets in accordance with the law.
"Following the establishment of the Cua Viet Town Fishery Union, we request that the Gio Linh District Labor Union continue to coordinate with local Party committees, authorities, mass organizations, and border guard stations to further promote and encourage fishermen to join the Vietnam Trade Union."
At the same time, we request that the District Labor Union pay attention to supporting and guiding the Executive Committee of the Cua Viet Town Fishery Union in developing operational regulations, assigning tasks to members, and organizing activities that bring practical benefits to union members. In particular, we request coordination in disseminating the Party's guidelines, State policies and laws, especially regarding the fight against illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
"Coordinating in representing and protecting the legitimate rights and interests of union members; supporting and assisting fishermen to go out to sea for production and contributing to the protection of the sovereignty of the country's seas and islands," Ms. Nguyen Thi Hoai Le emphasized.
It is evident that the establishment of the Cua Viet Town Fishery Union is a positive first step in the process of encouraging informal sector workers to join the Vietnam Trade Union. The establishment of these grassroots unions to protect the legitimate rights and interests of workers, and their effective operation, will contribute to promoting membership growth and the creation of more grassroots trade unions and unions in the province in the future.
Dan Tam
Source: https://baoquangtri.vn/thanh-lap-nghiep-doan-co-so-nghe-ca-thi-tran-cua-viet-buoc-khoi-dong-tich-cuc-190166.htm
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