Trade Union Bridge Holders

From the practical experience of grassroots trade union activities, many trade union officials have been quietly contributing with responsibility, dedication, and a close relationship with workers, helping to build harmonious, stable, and progressive labor relations in enterprises.

Dedicated to the workers

With over 15 years of dedication to trade union activities, including more than 10 years as Chairman of the grassroots trade union at ChingLuh Vietnam Footwear Co., Ltd. (Ben Luc commune), Mr. Nguyen Van Khai has always devoted his heart and soul to caring for and protecting the legitimate rights and interests of workers. For him, the trust and satisfaction of union members is the measure of the effectiveness of trade union activities.

Nguyen Van Khai (far left), Chairman of the Trade Union of ChingLuh Vietnam Footwear Co., Ltd., receives the excellent emulation flag from the Provincial Federation of Labor.

Khai joined the trade union by chance when he changed jobs and was assigned to work in the company's trade union department. From the very beginning of his involvement, he gradually came to understand the profound humanitarian significance of trade union work through each specific action.

The cultural and artistic events organized for workers; the visits to union members in difficult circumstances; and the times he accompanied workers to competitions organized by higher-level unions… have nurtured in him a deep love and enduring commitment to the trade union organization.

Mr. Nguyen Van Khai shared: "The more I participate in trade union activities, the more I love this job. There are times when it's very hard work, but seeing the workers happy and enthusiastic, all the fatigue seems to disappear. The smiles of the union members are the motivation for us to continue striving."

With a large workforce of diverse ages and needs, the grassroots trade union executive committee has determined that all activities must stem from the practical interests of the workers. Annually, the grassroots trade union conducts evaluations and draws lessons from implemented activities, while also surveying members' opinions through the system of union group leaders to develop appropriate plans.

Thanks to this approach, activities aimed at improving the spiritual well-being, cultural and sports movements, and welfare programs attract a large number of members and their families to participate.

Alongside its activities in the labor movement, the role of representing and protecting the rights of workers is always prioritized by the grassroots trade union. The union actively participates with enterprises in developing salary scales, labor regulations, and welfare benefits; promptly resolves workers' requests and complaints; proposes support for those in difficult circumstances; and coordinates with the human resources department in recruitment and job stabilization for workers.

To build harmonious, stable, and progressive labor relations, the grassroots trade union, in coordination with the enterprise, establishes multiple channels for receiving feedback from employees. From direct meetings, through union leaders, suggestion boxes, to internal applications, all information is recorded, exchanged, and processed promptly. Annually, the trade union coordinates dialogues and employee conferences, ensuring that the voices of workers are heard and fully responded to.

Speaking about the role of dialogue within the company, Mr. Khai said: “We always prioritize listening to employees through various channels. When problems arise, the trade union and relevant departments sit down to discuss and find solutions as quickly as possible, minimizing disputes so that employees can work with peace of mind and the company can maintain stable production.”

To stay close to the workers, the grassroots trade union has established a system of union team leaders and executive committee members in each production workshop. This is an important "bridge" that helps the trade union promptly understand the thoughts and aspirations of workers during their daily work, thereby proactively proposing appropriate and effective solutions.

During his time working as a union member in a large enterprise, especially one with foreign investment, Mr. Khai inevitably faced difficulties and pressure. However, the trust of the union members and the smiles they gave him when he received visits and encouragement from the union members motivated him to persevere and dedicate himself to his work.

Be approachable and listen to the workers.

Having been involved with the trade union since the company's early days, Nguyen Thi Phuong Trinh, Chairwoman of the Trade Union at Meta Biomed Vina Co., Ltd. (Can Giuoc commune), is trusted by union members and employees for her sense of responsibility, dedication, and approachable and effective working style. For her, doing trade union work means first and foremost listening, understanding, and supporting employees through concrete and practical actions.

Nguyen Thi Phuong Trinh, Chairwoman of the Trade Union of Meta Biomed Vina Co., Ltd., spoke during a meeting between National Assembly representatives and their constituents who are workers and laborers.

Since joining the trade union, Ms. Trinh has gradually matured, accumulated much experience, and developed a careful and attentive working style with the workers. As the Chairwoman of the grassroots trade union, Ms. Trinh clearly defines her role in representing and protecting the legitimate rights and interests of union members and workers.

Besides fully implementing all regulations and policies during holidays and festivals, the grassroots trade union also proactively advises the Board of Directors on implementing many practical welfare programs. Notable examples include providing timely support to employees facing difficulties during the rainy and stormy season; giving gifts on the company's anniversary; providing sleeping mats and pillows for employees to ensure a healthy midday nap; and investing in massage chairs to help employees relax after stressful working hours.

In particular, the trade union, in coordination with the company, focuses on improving the quality of meals during work shifts, adding more dishes during Christmas and Tet (Lunar New Year) so that employees clearly feel cared for and supported; advising the company to implement many humane policies for female workers, especially pregnant and postpartum workers, such as giving pillow sets for mothers and babies, contributing to motivating employees to feel secure and committed to the company in the long term.

Ms. Trinh stated: “As the Chairperson of the grassroots trade union, I always prioritize the voices and interests of the workers. Every policy and activity must stem from the actual needs of the workers, so that they feel the trade union is truly a reliable support.”

The trade union also regularly and systematically carries out its work of representing and engaging in dialogue with employers. Listening to the concerns and aspirations of workers is implemented through union branches, group leaders, suggestion boxes, and direct communication channels. Reasonable suggestions are compiled, discussed, and submitted to the Board of Directors by the Executive Committee of the trade union for timely resolution, thus minimizing disputes.

According to Ms. Trinh, a major advantage in the union's activities is the support and cooperation from the employer. "The company's management is very attentive and listens to the employees' opinions. Most of the suggestions are resolved satisfactorily, even exceeding initial expectations, so for many years, the company has maintained harmonious and stable labor relations," Ms. Trinh shared.

To promptly understand the concerns of workers, each union team leader maintains communication groups via Zalo and Facebook with employees in their assigned department. When problems arise, the team leader first discusses them with the workers, then reports them to the grassroots union executive committee. In difficult or sensitive cases, private meetings are organized to listen, share, and find appropriate solutions. The motto of the grassroots union is "ready to listen - reasonable solutions - understanding needs."

With dedication, responsibility, and flexible, effective methods, grassroots trade union officials have truly become a solid "bridge" between workers and businesses. Their concrete and practical actions not only strengthen the trust of union members but also contribute to building a stronger trade union organization from the grassroots level.

With dedication, responsibility, and flexible, effective methods, grassroots trade union officials have truly become a solid "bridge" between workers and businesses. Their concrete and practical actions not only strengthen the trust of union members but also contribute to building a stronger trade union organization from the grassroots level.

Dang Tuan

Source: https://baolongan.vn/nhung-nguoi-giu-nhip-cau-cong-doan-a209048.html