Many initiatives to improve welfare for union members and workers

To enhance the living conditions of union members and workers, many grassroots trade unions across Dong Nai province have proactively coordinated with businesses to implement practical and creative models and solutions. These efforts contribute to improving livelihoods, strengthening workers’ trust, and fostering stronger bonds between employees, trade unions, and enterprises. 

Meeting union members’ needs

Viet Nam Fortune Technology International Co., Ltd (located in Binh Phuoc ward, Dong Nai province) currently employs 400 workers. To improve the quality of life and ensure worker health, especially during hot weather, the company's leadership has decided to install automatic ice makers in rest areas and outside the production workshop. These high-capacity machines provide clean ice for drinking, food preservation, and on-site beverage preparation. The investment in ice machines is part of the company's ongoing efforts to enhance working conditions and support its employees.

Workers at Viet Nam Fortune Technology International Co., Ltd (Binh Phuoc Ward) use ice provided by the company. Photo: Nguyen Hoa

According to Tran Van Hai, a worker at the company, in response to the need for workers to regularly use ice as drinking water during breaks between shifts, the company has equipped them with modern automatic ice machines for comfortable use at work.

"Since the company installed the automatic ice machine, workers have been very pleased to have access to clean ice that ensures their health, without having to buy it from outside like before. I hope these practical models will continue to be expanded at the factory," Hai shared.

At Elite Long Thanh Co., Ltd (Loc An Industrial Park, Binh Son commune), the grassroots trade union has actively promoted its role in negotiating with business owners to implement various policies that benefit workers. Among them is a mid-shift meal valued at 28,000 VND per person, which helps ensure nutrition and restore energy for workers. This undertaking is one of the practical policies aimed at improving workers' lives amid rising living costs.

These specific, creative, and practical models demonstrate that caring for union members has evolved beyond slogans to become a regular, effective practice that delivers tangible results. This endeavor also serves as an essential foundation for trade unions to grow stronger and remain a trusted support system for workers

Nguyen Quoc Hung, Chairman of the grassroots trade union at Elite Long Thanh Co., Ltd., stated: "The company currently employs 3,800 workers as its most valuable asset." Increasing the value of mid-shift meals is not only a form of material support but also reflects the company’s care and solidarity with its workers, especially in demanding working conditions that require high levels of energy and stamina. Higher-value meals help workers replenish energy, maintain productivity, and reduce the risk of workplace accidents caused by fatigue.

According to Hung, the increase in meal value has been positively received by workers, helping them feel secure in contributing and enhancing product value. The company also prioritizes menu improvements by introducing dishes that support the health of its workers. In addition to raising the value of mid-shift meals, the grassroots trade union has negotiated additional benefits in the collective labor agreement, including job security, income, salaries, and bonuses. This undertaking is also a key policy to retain employees amid the current labor shortage.

Enhancing union members’ benefits

At many workplaces, grassroots trade unions have proactively signed agreements with partners to offer welfare programs and incentives for union members, such as discounts on goods, support for medical examinations and treatment, travel, and education at preferential rates. Some units with a large workforce have established mutual support funds and Trade Union shelter funds to assist members facing illness, accidents, financial hardship, or whose families are affected by natural disasters or epidemics.

Grassroots unions also performed their role well as representatives negotiating with employers to protect the legal rights of employees. Typically, at Elma Vietnam Industrial Co., Ltd. (Nhon Trach District), union representatives boldly negotiated with the business owner during a meeting about improving welfare policies for workers, gaining strong support and trust from employees.

Chairwoman of Elma Vietnam Industrial Co., Ltd. Trade Union, Vo Thi Xuan Hang, presents awards to outstanding union members. Photo: Nguyen Hoa

Vo Thi Xuan Hang, Chairwoman of the grassroots trade union at Elma Vietnam Industrial Co., Ltd., shared that the company is implementing several beneficial policies for workers, including one Saturday off per month; a one-million-VND bonus for newly contracted employees in their first year; and a 700-thousand-VND monthly bonus during the first six months. Each month, the grassroots trade union and the company jointly organize birthday celebrations, presenting awards to workers with outstanding performance. These activities have been warmly received by employees, strengthening their trust in the company and helping them feel secure in their work and production.

Several grassroots trade unions have adopted innovative approaches by applying digital tools, such as creating internal Zalo groups to promptly update policies and capture members' feedback and aspirations. Digital trade union apps have also been developed, allowing members to register for support or submit concerns. These initiatives not only modernize operations but also enhance the speed, transparency, and effectiveness of communication. As a result, union members and employees can connect more quickly, and issues related to policies and benefits are addressed and improved promptly. This attempt also serves as a platform for the trade union to strengthen communication efforts, fostering a united and modern working environment for workers.

In addition to material welfare, many grassroots unions also organize cultural and sports activities to help workers relieve stress after work. In particular, the creative playgrounds organized by the union recently have brought newness, attracting workers to participate.

Nguyen Van Tiep, Chairman of the grassroots trade union at Global Powersports Manufacturing Incorporated (Trang Bom district), said the company had won first prize in the "Beautiful Labor Photos" contest organized by the upper-level union. He expressed his satisfaction, noting that this new initiative has helped widely promote the image of hard-working employees. He hopes the Dong Nai Provincial Labor Federation will continue to introduce meaningful programs that enhance workers’ spiritual well-being after work.

By Nguy Hoa - Translated by Thuy Trang, Minho