Digital Trade Union model delivers practical results

Amid rapid digital transformation across all sectors, incorporating information technology into Trade Union (TU) activities has become an unavoidable trend. In Dong Nai, the Digital TU model is helping to innovate operational methods, improve management efficiency, and strengthen ties between TU organizations and their members and employees.

Strengthening connections with employees

Dao Minh Tan, Vice Chairman of the Dong Nai Labor Federation, said Dong Nai has a workforce of approximately 2.4 million people employed across organizations and enterprises. This workforce is a vital resource for the locality's socio-economic development, contributing to the achievement of double-digit economic growth targets. In this context, renewing emulation movements among workers, public employees, and laborers has become an urgent requirement to improve labor productivity, product quality, and production and business efficiency.

A representative of the grassroots TU at Far Eastern New Apparel (Vietnam) Limited shares the effectiveness of TU activities at the enterprise.

In response to this requirement, TU organizations at all levels have implemented the Digital TU model, which features rapid connectivity and timely support, while gradually applying information technology to communications, member management, and the organization of TU activities. The model is regarded as a practical solution to improve the quality of services for TU members, strengthen ties between the TU organization and employees, and meet the requirements of administrative reform and digital transformation in the current context.

Grassroots TUs have set up information groups on digital platforms, which let TU officials talk directly to members and employees. These groups quickly and promptly deliver information on policies, laws, entitlements related to employees, welfare programs, and care activities. At the same time, members can express their views, aspirations, recommendations, and issues arising in labor relations, enabling TUs to identify and address them directly at the grassroots level.

A typical example is the grassroots TU at Pou Sung Vietnam Co., Ltd. in An Vien Commune, which has proactively established information groups on popular digital platforms such as Zalo and Facebook to connect TU officials directly with members and employees. These online groups serve not only as regular communication channels but also as a "digital bridge" that narrows the gap between the TU organization and its members, allowing information to be shared quickly, accurately, and conveniently.

Le Nhat Truong, Chairman of the grassroots TU at Pou Sung Vietnam Co., Ltd., said the Digital TU model enables TU officials to proactively monitor the situation of members and understand the thoughts and aspirations of employees, thereby providing timely support and protecting the legitimate and lawful rights and interests of members. Interaction between the TU and employees has become faster and more convenient, contributing to the development of harmonious and stable labor relations.

Tran Le Thu Ha, a worker at Son Ha Co., Ltd. in Tam Hiep Ward, said that through the TU's communication channels, information on employees' rights and obligations, as well as updates on new entitlements, policies, and welfare programs for members, is provided promptly. As a result, TU members and employees can easily access official information on their smartphones, reducing the risk of missing important information or receiving inaccurate information.

Enhancing operational effectiveness

According to Dao Minh Tan, the Digital TU model, which features rapid connectivity and timely support, has improved the effectiveness of TU operations. Emulation movements, in particular, have been implemented widely while closely aligning with the political tasks, production and business activities of each unit and enterprise. Commendation activities are conducted promptly, publicly, and transparently, with particular attention given to direct employees. Many initiatives have been applied in practice, contributing to higher productivity, cost savings, and enhanced enterprise competitiveness.

Simultaneously, city-level TUs have proactively coordinated and participated in organizing workplace dialogues and collective bargaining, while better safeguarding the material and spiritual well-being and welfare of members and employees. They have also promoted the "Each TU member, one initiative" movement through digital platforms, encouraging employees to propose technical improvement solutions, enhance labor productivity, save raw materials, and ensure production safety.

At many grassroots TUs, the application of online forms for surveys and member opinion collection has enhanced democracy and transparency, making it easier for employees to contribute their views. In addition, activities such as registering for emulation movements, reviewing commendation nominations, and receiving feedback and recommendations are now conducted digitally, helping reduce administrative procedures and improve the efficiency of TU operations.

The Dong Nai Labor Federation currently manages nearly 2,300 grassroots TUs with more than 750,000 members. Given its extensive organizational network and large membership, promoting digital transformation in TU activities has been identified as an inevitable requirement to improve management efficiency, strengthen connectivity, and provide increasingly effective services for members.

Tran Dinh Hai, a worker at Far Eastern New Apparel (Vietnam) Limited in Dong Phu Ward, said that following the grassroots TU's Facebook page, he can quickly access information on entitlements, policies, welfare programs, and TU activities. "Whenever I have questions related to benefits or need to report an issue at work, I only need to send a message or contact a TU official directly, and I receive a response rapidly. This makes us feel more secure because the TU is always there to support, listen to, and assist us promptly," said Hai.

To further expand the Digital TU model, which features fast connectivity and timely support, TU organizations at all levels in Dong Nai have identified the need to promote digital transformation and strengthen the application of digital platforms in management, administration, and the organization of movements and activities for members. The goal is to build a modern, professional, and effective TU organization that meets the demands of the digital era, contributing to the successful implementation of each unit's political tasks and improving the quality of life of members and employees.

By Nguyen Hoa – Translated by Minh Hong, Thu Ha