New mindset, new impetus from the historical transformation

Madam, in the context of merging the Labor Federations of the two provinces and moving to a mechanism directly under the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee, Dong Thap has mobilized more than 91 billion VND to take care of Tet and implement many welfare programs right from the early days of implementing the new local government model. How do you assess this?

- Immediately after the merger, the Standing Committee of the Provincial Labor Federation focused on reviewing and consolidating the organization in a streamlined direction but still ensuring smooth operation, closer to grassroots levels and closer to union members. We promote the spirit of solidarity and responsibility of the Trade Union officials; and at the same time, take advantage of the leadership attention of the Provincial Party Committee, the Vietnam General Confederation of Labor, the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of the province, and the coordination of all levels, sectors, and the business community. From that initiative, activities to care for Tet, support union members in difficult circumstances, and the "Union Member Welfare" program have been implemented synchronously, continuously, and effectively. The total mobilized resources of more than 91 billion VND is not only a figure but also reflects the community's belief in the Trade Union organization in this historical transformation period. We see this as a driving force to continue to transform the organization.

The 14th Vietnam Trade Union Congress emphasized the function of representing and protecting employees. From the experience of quickly resolving collective work stoppages related to meals and social insurance benefits recently, how has the Provincial Labor Federation concretized it so that each grassroots trade union is truly a solid "shield" at the enterprise?

- From past practice, we have determined that we must strongly shift from "handling situations" to "remote prevention". To do so, it is necessary to focus on improving the capacity of grassroots trade union officials in terms of skills for dialogue, negotiation, grasping union members' thoughts and forecasting labor relations. We require each grassroots trade union to truly be a "credible bridge" between employees and businesses. Not waiting until grievances arise to get involved, the Trade Union must actively participate in building collective labor agreements, supervise the implementation of policies and laws, and maintain periodic dialogues and unexpected dialogues when problems arise. At the same time, it is necessary to strengthen the application of digital technology in receiving union members' feedback, and build fast information channels to support grassroots levels in handling situations promptly. The highest goal is to build harmonious and effective labor relations.

Dong Thap brings to the 14th Congress unique models, typically 91 self-managed worker dormitories. Can you share more about how this model operates so that this place is not only a place to live but also becomes a cultural space, connecting workers far from home with the Trade Union organization?

- Currently, the whole province maintains 91 self-managed worker boarding houses with close coordination between the Trade Union, local authorities, boarding house owners and grassroots police forces. Each boarding house has a self-management group, organizes periodic activities, propagates labor law, life skills, prevents and combats social evils and builds a cultural lifestyle among workers.

Many boarding houses have become a true "common home" for workers far from home. There, union members participate in cultural and sports activities, cultural exchanges, and support each other when they are in difficulty or sick. The Trade Union also organizes "Workers' Markets", free medical examinations, and gives gifts and scholarships to workers' children right in the boarding house area so that workers can clearly feel the companionship of the Trade Union organization. We hope that this model will continue to be replicated and improved so that each boarding house is not only a place to live but also a cultural space, a place to spread the affection of Dat Sen Hong and consolidate workers' trust in the Trade Union organization.

Building a team of "digital workers" in a green economy is a modern goal. In your position as head of the Provincial Trade Union, what do you expect about the lives, incomes and position of workers in the next 5 years?

- We expect that in the next 5 years, the material and spiritual life of Dong Thap workers will continue to be clearly improved; more stable income, a safer working environment and better access to social security policies. In particular, workers will be given more conditions to study and improve professional skills, digital skills, foreign languages and modern industrial style. The Provincial Trade Union will continue to coordinate with businesses, training institutions and functional sectors to promote retraining and advanced training for workers; support workers to adapt to digital transformation, green transformation and the requirements of the new labor market. Believing that with the tradition of diligence, creativity and affection, along with the companionship of the Trade Union organization, Dong Thap workers will continue to affirm their core role in socio-economic development.

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