Overcoming formalism in labor agreements in Son La
From salaries and benefits to working conditions, the Son La Trade Union is directing the negotiation of collective labor agreements (LCAs) towards practical issues that are closer to the needs of workers.
Son La province currently has over 4,900 operating enterprises, with more than 60,200 direct production and business workers. The Provincial Labor Federation directly manages and directs the operation of 196 grassroots trade unions with 14,669 union members and workers. According to Ms. Thai Thi Mai - Vice President of Son La Provincial Labor Federation, trade unions at all levels are focusing on reviewing collective labor agreements that have expired, the content is still general or inappropriate to propose amendments, supplements, and new signings. The issues put into negotiation mainly revolve around salaries, bonuses, benefits, working hours, rest, working conditions and occupational safety and health.
This approach aims to limit the situation that some collective labor agreements are still formalistic, mainly copying the provisions of the Labor Code, while there are not many clauses that create additional benefits for workers. Extensions and new signings at some units are also not timely. Reality shows that contents close to workers' lives often easily create clear effects. Up to now, 52 businesses in the province have included the content of midday meal support in collective labor agreements. Grassroots trade unions coordinate with businesses to implement many activities to care for life, culture, and sports, contributing to increasing cohesion at the workplace.
At Moc Chau Investment and Construction Joint Stock Company, Mr. Phan Ky Son - Chairman of the grassroots trade union - said that the negotiation of collective labor agreements needs to originate from the actual situation of the unit and issues that workers are concerned about. "TƯLĐTT must actually originate from issues that workers are concerned about. When the contents on salaries, bonuses, benefits, working hours, rest and working conditions are clearly negotiated, the implementation of rights is also more convenient" - Mr. Son shared.
Son La Toys Co., Ltd. currently has 750 union members and employees. The company clearly implements policies on salaries, social insurance, occupational safety and health and periodic health checks for workers. Ms. Lo Thi Tien - a worker at Son La Toys Co., Ltd. - said that workers pay more attention to income and working conditions. "The regimes and policies are clearly stipulated to help us know what benefits we are entitled to. When those commitments are fully implemented, workers will have more trust and attachment to the business" - Ms. Tien said.
To support units in overcoming limitations in negotiation, the Provincial Labor Federation implemented consulting and improved the quality of dialogue and collective negotiation at 15 grassroots trade unions.
To date, 15/15 grassroots trade unions have completed consulting; 6 grassroots trade unions have coordinated with employers to negotiate and sign collective labor agreements according to regulations. The remaining grassroots trade unions are expected to complete the signing in the first quarter of 2027.
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