Studying and following Ho Chi Minh's ideology to care for the lives of workers in the new context

During his lifetime, President Ho Chi Minh always had deep affection and special attention for the working class and laborers. One person once said: The great strength of the working class and the working people is in close solidarity. To make the revolution successful, we must take care of the material and spiritual life of the people". He said: "If workers have enough to eat and wear, they will be strong enough; if they have enough strength, they will be able to do the job. A horse that feeds quickly. A machine with enough oil to rotate evenly. People are the same. He also paid special attention to female workers: We must pay special attention to female labor. Women are a large labor force. We must maintain the health of women so that they can participate in production well". During his visits to workers, he paid special attention to the issue of hygiene and health protection for workers. That concern comes from the most normal activities that can affect the lives and health of workers. Because he said: "If life is improved and everyone is healthy, there will be excitement in competing for production...". Wherever he goes, he advises: "... the responsible officers must always pay close attention to the health and life of workers". For the trade union organization, Uncle Ho requested: "The purpose of the trade union is to improve the lives of workers, improve the material and cultural life of the working class in particular and the people in general".

With profound and progressive humanistic ideology, President Ho Chi Minh has paid special attention to workers. That idea does not only come from the leaders' wise vision of the role and mission of the working class, of respecting and protecting human rights, but also from the Father's sympathy for the days of "famous children". Looking back in history, when he was a patriotic young man traveling in foreign lands, he was also a kitchen assistant on the French Treville ship, a gardener in the Harve suburbs, a sailor on a cruise ship around Africa, a compensator in Boston, a fire breaker, a snow scraper in England, etc. Therefore, he understands better than anyone the hardships, difficulties and even constant risks that workers always face. Immersed and thoroughly grasped his thoughts, the Trade Union organization and the team of trade union officials of all generations have always been deeply aware of their mission in caring for the lives, legitimate rights and interests of workers.

In the current new context, in addition to the advantages of integration, digital transformation and economic growth, Vietnamese workers are facing many challenges: fluctuations in the labor market, the trend of automation to replace simple workers, the reduction of orders, job losses, especially in the private and FDI enterprise sector. The impact of the process of streamlining the state apparatus also affects the psychology, employment, income and stability of a number of cadres, civil servants and public employees - including full-time union cadres.

Given that reality, applying Ho Chi Minh's ideology of caring for workers requires the Trade Union organization, especially the Vietnam General Confederation of Labor and trade unions at all levels, to take more concrete, flexible and drastic steps than ever. Based on the goals, targets, and solutions identified in the documents of the 13th Congress of the Vietnam General Confederation of Labor, we have identified a number of key solutions as follows:

First, practically care for the lives, jobs, income and livelihoods of workers, deploy and effectively implement Resolution No. 07/NQ-BCH dated August 29, 2024 of the Executive Committee of the General Confederation of Labor on "Focusing resources to care for the welfare of union members and workers in the new situation". Ho Chi Minh's ideology is not separated from theory from practical action. Caring cannot stop at policies and slogans, but must include specific policies and operating models. Activities such as "Tet Sum Vay", "Worker's Month", building trade union institutions, developing a social security partner network for workers have been regularly advised by us to be organized and received high appreciation from Party, State and social leaders. At the same time, advise on the direction and guidance of trade unions at all levels to grasp the situation of enterprises, make timely recommendations when there is a risk of unpaid wages, fires, or unilateral termination of illegal labor contracts.

Second, protect the legitimate and legal rights and interests of workers through representation, negotiation, and dialogue activities, effectively implement the Program "Improving the effectiveness of dialogue and collective bargaining in the period of 2023 - 2028" to focus on improving the rights of union members and workers; building harmonious, stable and sustainable labor relations. Uncle Ho's ideology always promotes the role of "loyal representative" of the masses. In current conditions, improving the capacity of union cadres - especially negotiation, legal and dialogue skills - is the key. It is necessary to continue to strengthen and promote the role of trade unions in the National Wage Council, Policy Appraisal Council and dialogue groups at enterprises.

Third, accompany and protect union officials in the process of arranging and streamlining the organization. We learn from Uncle Ho not only in the "for the people" ideology, but also in the approachable, flexible method. In the context of implementing Resolution 18, in addition to streamlining the apparatus, it is necessary to ensure stability and policies for full-time union cadres - especially at district and county Labor Federations and industry unions. The General Confederation has been actively recommending to the Party and State to adjust the legal framework in accordance with the characteristics of the Trade Union organization, in order to create a mechanism for arranging and assigning cadres in a reasonable and humane manner.

Fourth, innovate the content and methods of trade union activities associated with digital transformation and practical needs of workers. Ho Chi Minh's ideology of "revolution is the cause of the masses" requires the Trade Union to be closer to and closer to the workers. Trade unions need to shift from "pure administrative model" to "organizing services, supporting, connecting and protecting". Applying technology, building a union digital platform, listening to workers' feedback through social networks, switchboards... are necessary steps in the coming period.

However, digital transformation also poses challenges in terms of digital capacity of trade union officials, infrastructure investment funding and innovative thinking in the organization. Therefore, there needs to be a methodical and synchronous roadmap from the central to the grassroots level, prioritizing training of staff who know how to use digital tools to serve union members.

With all our infinite respect for President Ho Chi Minh, we all, regardless of our position, are very touched, fully sympathize and deeply remember President Ho Chi Minh's teachings about workers and the role of the trade union organization. Uncle Ho's School is not only about learning ideology, ethics, and style, but also learning how to act for workers through specific, practical, and humane actions. In the role of the Department of Policy, Law and Labor Relations, we identify the central task as researching, advising, and proposing mechanisms and policies that truly benefit union members and workers; at the same time, contributing to affirming the role of the Trade Union in the political system and in the hearts of workers.

I would like to end the discussion with the teaching of President Ho Chi Minh: "To help the people, we must first help the people". The trade union wants workers to accompany, first of all, it must accompany and care for them from the smallest things, in their ideology, life and rights.

"Discussing at the thematic conference: Party viewpoint, Ho Chi Minh's ideology on the working class and trade union organizations"