Trade unions contribute to stabilizing labour relations

During the 2023–2025 period, labour relations across Dong Nai Province have remained stable, with a decline in strikes and work stoppages. This positive outcome is closely linked to the efforts of trade unions at all levels, which have stayed deeply connected with grassroots units, addressed emerging difficulties, and fostered a harmonious, united, and progressive working environment.

A range of flexible, practical solutions implemented by trade unions, especially enterprise-level unions, has helped reduce conflicts, promote dialogue, and strengthen trust between employees and employers.

Promoting dialogue, a foundation for consensus

Speaking at the Trade Union Congress for the 2025–2030 term of Vedan Vietnam Joint Stock Limited Company (located in Phuoc Thai Commune) recently, Nguyen Quoc Dung, Member of the Provincial Party Committee, Vice President of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of Dong Nai Province, and President of the provincial Labour Federation, highly appreciated the role of grassroots trade unions in fostering solidarity and maintaining labour stability, thereby creating motivation for employees to work with peace of mind and contribute to the company’s development. “This is a highlight that the trade union should continue to promote in the next term, as unity and building trust between employees and employers are the basis for the trade union to fulfil its tasks and implement proposed solutions effectively,” Dung emphasised.

Workers at Vietnam Fortune Technology International Co., Ltd. (Binh Phuoc Ward) during working hours. Photo: Nguyen Hoa

Established in 1995, the trade union of Vedan Vietnam now comprises 83 union teams with more than 3,500 members. Over the past term, the Executive Committee has effectively fulfilled its role in representing and protecting employees through various welfare activities and by signing collective labour agreements with terms more beneficial to labourers. Beyond serving as a bridge between the employees and employer, the union has proactively gathered feedback and concerns from employees and conveyed them to company leaders. In many cases, the union’s recommendations have helped the enterprise adjust policies more appropriately, creating a stable and efficient working environment.

Le Thi Nhung, an employee of Vedan Vietnam, shared that she feels secure and committed when working in the company's professional and stable environment. "What keeps me stay long-term here is the friendly atmosphere, supportive colleagues, and a leadership team that listens and creates opportunities for individuals to develop their abilities. Clear welfare policies and job stability enable me to contribute wholeheartedly and grow professionally," she said.

Trade unions at many enterprises have made significant progress in collective bargaining. Numerous collective agreements now include provisions more favourable to employees than required by law, especially regarding bonuses, fuel allowances, housing support and meal allowances. These agreements serve not only as important legal frameworks but also as mutual commitments that build trust, stabilise production and reduce disputes. Regular dialogue sessions have also helped narrow the gap between employers and employees. According to the provincial Labour Federation, from 2023 to 2025, the province signed 43 new collective labour agreements, bringing the total to 1,384 out of 1,690 enterprises with grassroots trade unions.

Do Nguyen Phuong, Secretary of the Party Cell and President of the trade union of Yuen Foong Yu Paper Co., Ltd. (Long Thanh Commune), stated that one of the union’s key tasks is to coordinate with the employer to organise periodic and ad-hoc dialogues with employees. These dialogues have resolved issues related to wages, welfare, occupational safety and hygiene, and working hours in a timely manner, helping prevent conflicts. He added that developing collective labour agreements remains a core task to enhance employee welfare.

Building sustainable working environments

In practice, enterprises with effective trade unions have seen a significant reduction in spontaneous strikes and work stoppages, while labor productivity, employee engagement, and enterprise image have all been improved. Trade unions serve not only as a "shield" protecting employees' rights but also as a "companion" supporting enterprises in production development. Close cooperation between both sides creates a solid foundation for harmonious, stable, and progressive labour relations, an essential factor for sustainable business growth.

Workers at FTT Vina Co., Ltd. (Binh Loc Commune, Dong Nai Province) during working hours. Photo: Nguyen Hoa

According to Bui Thi Bich Thuy, Standing Vice Chairwoman of the Dong Nai Labour Federation, trade unions at all levels have focused on disseminating labour laws, the Trade Union Law, and regulations on employees' rights and obligations, helping workers understand and comply with legal provisions. Regular training courses for union officials have been held to enhance skills in negotiation, mediation and workplace engagement. Fully understanding the law helps employees be more aware of their behavior, and businesses voluntarily comply with regulations, thereby limiting conflicts from arising.

In the coming period, the Dong Nai Labour Federation aims to accelerate digital transformation in trade union activities, strengthen interactions with employees through online platforms, enhance the union’s role as a bridge between employers and employees, and build a modern, professional labour-relations model where employees’ rights are safeguarded and businesses can grow sustainably.

Standing Vice Chairwoman of the provincial Labour Federation, Bui Thi Bich Thuy

To protect employees' rights, trade unions actively coordinate with relevant agencies to conduct workplace inspections and monitor compliance with labour laws, especially regarding wages, working hours, and occupational safety and hygiene. Through these inspections, enterprises receive guidance on proper implementation; regular dialogues and employee conferences are promoted. Each year, over 96% of state-owned enterprises hold employee conferences, while nearly 74% of non-state enterprises organise workplace dialogues.

The results achieved show the important role of the Trade Unions in accompanying employees and business owners. Thanks to that, the capacity to represent and protect employees' rights is increasingly enhanced, creating motivation for employees to stick together and helping business owners realize the benefits of caring for the workforce.

By Nguyen Hoa – Translated by My Le, Thu Ha