(VOVworld) – Vietnam has pushed ahead with national industrialization and modernization to fulfill its target of becoming an industrial nation by 2020. The Party and State have determined that building a strong working class is an important and urgent task. Activities to take care of and protect the legitimate rights of workers have always been ensured.

Outstanding young workers were given presents at the Youth Union's workers festival

Trade Unions at all levels have an important role to play in building law and policies and mobilizing workers in production emulation campaigns in order to contribute to reaching social-economic targets. Trade Union branches have worked with sectors and functional agencies to oversee the enforcement of policies on workers’ rights, resolve and prevent strikes, and support workers in disadvantaged situations.

Caring for the rights of workers at the local level

At a meeting in March, Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung asked the Vietnam General Confederation of Labor to continue organizing emulation movements and programs to improve workers’ living conditions and ensure their rights. Prime Minister Dung said: “We need closer coordination to guarantee the rights and support the lives of workers such as providing nurseries, worker apartments, and ensuring employers’ buy insurance for their employees. A Trade Union has to stay close to its members and protect their legal rights.”

Trade Unions are asked to enhance communications and education to improve workers’ legal knowledge, help workers access information, and work with them to resolve any problems. Nguyen Thu Huong, Chairwoman of Binh Thanh district’s Trade Union, an active unit of the Ho Chi Minh City’s Confederation of Labor, says: “We have used the internet to exchange information with local units. It helps companies and workers to access needed information and the Trade Union’s emulation movements. We promptly receive local information to feed in to our programs.”

Specific activities to protect workers’ rights

Workers, especially young people, are interested in opportunities to improve their skills and profession, as well as job and entertainment information. Besides Trade Union’s activities, the Ho Chi Minh Youth Union also organizes activities to improve workers’ spiritual lives. Festivals for workers have been held in major provinces and cities, where they also received free health check-ups and medicine, had their hair cut and telephones and computers repaired, joined in legal consultation sessions, and played games. Nguyen Anh Tuan, member of the Standing Committee of the Youth Union, said: “Through the festival, we convey to young workers Party guidelines and State policies relating to improving the working class and their material and cultural lives. These activities will enrich their spiritual lives.”

Community activities have been helpful for young workers to improve their knowledge and skills. Nguyen Thi Thu Hong, a worker at Kim Cuong company in Dai An industrial zone, Hai Duong province, said: “The industrial zone has organized activities for the welfare of workers. We are glad to receive free health checks. I hope these activities will be organized regularly.”

Diverse movements have been held to inspire employees to be creative in production, doing research, and applying advanced technology to improve productivity. Outstanding individuals and organizations from these movements have been honored as role models in national socio-economic development.