Improving workers’ legal knowledge

Dong Nai is a province with a large number of workers employed at many organizations and enterprises. Recognizing the importance of protecting workers’ rights, trade unions at all levels in the province have recently promoted activities to improve workers’ legal knowledge.

Workers attend a conference on social insurance policies organized by the Grassroots Trade Union of Vedan Vietnam Enterprise Corp., Ltd. Photo: Thao My

Providing legal knowledge is not only a “shield” to protect rights but also a foundation for long-term stability.

Enhancing legal knowledge for workers

A recent communication session on social insurance policies, organized by the Grassroots Trade Union of Vedan Vietnam Enterprise Corp., Ltd. (in Phuoc Thai commune, Dong Nai Province), drew the attention of many workers at the company. During the program, workers were introduced to the core and practical content of the 2024 Law on Social Insurance, including rights and obligations when participating in social insurance, as well as entitled benefits such as sickness, maternity, occupational accidents, occupational diseases, retirement, and survivorship.

In addition to the speaker's presentation, the program also set aside time for direct discussion and for answering workers' questions on contribution rates, benefit periods, pension eligibility conditions, and benefits arising during the course of employment. Many practical situations were addressed promptly, helping workers gain a clearer understanding of social insurance policies, feel more secure about participating, and proactively protect their legitimate rights and interests.

Ho Huu Hoang Duy, a worker at Vedan Vietnam Enterprise Corp., Ltd., said, “After attending the training session organized by the Trade Union, I understand more clearly about social insurance benefits, especially retirement benefits. The training session not only helped me gain more knowledge but also gave me peace of mind for long-term work. I hope there will be more programs like this so workers can access the law in a closer and more practical way.”

Not stopping at direct communication, trade unions at all levels have continuously diversified labor law dissemination through competitions, creating useful and attractive playgrounds that help workers easily absorb knowledge. A typical example is the Golden Bell Challenge competition at Far Eastern New Apparel (Vietnam) Ltd. in Dong Phu commune. Participating in the competition, workers answer questions across many fields, including labor law, occupational safety and hygiene, social knowledge, and daily life.

The competition contributes to building a dynamic, positive working environment and to raising workers’ awareness of occupational safety and the skills required in the workplace. Le Thi Ha said, “By participating in the competition, I realize that learning about the law is very important for workers to protect themselves. Questions related to the 2019 Labor Code and policies associated with daily work help workers easily remember and understand their rights and obligations.”

Improving labor law knowledge for workers is not only the responsibility of authorities but also requires the companionship of enterprises. Workers who understand their rights and obligations can protect themselves while contributing to building a civilized, professional, and sustainable labor environment.

Establishing stable labor relations

A matter of concern today is that many workers still have a limited understanding of the law, especially regulations directly related to their rights and obligations. Many have been placed at a disadvantage when enterprises owe or evade social insurance contributions, leaving them unable to access social insurance benefits as prescribed. In addition, due to a lack of information, many workers do not clearly understand regulations on contracts, wages, or working conditions, leaving their rights unprotected and preventing them from speaking up to protect themselves.

Lawyer Vu Ngoc Ha, a labor law expert at the Trade Union Legal Consultancy Center under the Provincial Federation of Labor, said that in reality, given that the 2024 Law on Social Insurance has been in effect for quite some time, workers' ability to absorb new knowledge remains limited. A clear understanding of these regulations is very important because it directly affects their rights. One notable change, in addition to the age requirement, is that the minimum period of social insurance contributions required for workers to qualify for retirement has been reduced from 20 to 15 years. This shift expands the group of people eligible for retirement benefits, bringing practical benefits to many workers. In addition, many people still have not updated themselves on the new provisions of the law, leading to an incomplete understanding of their rights and how to claim social insurance benefits.

According to lawyer Vu Ngoc Ha, improving workers' legal knowledge is not only a need but has become an urgent requirement. Provisions in the 2019 Labor Code clearly set out regulations on labor contracts, wages, working hours, rest periods, and insurance benefits. By mastering these provisions, workers can avoid having their rights violated in situations such as delayed wage payments, unpaid insurance contributions, or unlawful termination of labor contracts.

In addition, to improve workers' legal knowledge, trade unions at all levels in the province are using social media platforms and technology applications to build effective communication channels, regularly updating on new regulations and practical situations related to workers' rights and obligations. This approach not only helps legal information reach a wide audience but also fosters proactive awareness of, and compliance with, the law among workers and employees.

Nguyen Minh Tam, Chairman of the Grassroots Trade Union of Pou Phong Vietnam Co., Ltd. (in An Vien commune), said improving legal awareness also contributes to building harmonious and stable labor relations. When both workers and employers understand and comply with the law, disputes will be limited. Grassroots trade unions strengthen communication by conducting training sessions at enterprises, using concise, easy-to-understand content linked to practical situations. In addition, applying technology to deliver legal information in the form of videos and infographics also brings high effectiveness.

Trade unions at all levels in the province have proactively implemented many practical forms to improve legal knowledge for workers, from issuing legal handbooks and setting up “legal corners” at workplaces to organizing legal knowledge competitions. These activities help workers access knowledge in a visual, vivid way, right within the enterprise environment. Additionally, many enterprises are actively building transparent working environments, thereby strengthening trust and ensuring fairness in labor relations.

By Thao My – Translated by Minh Hong, Minho