Streamlined organization, effective operation

In the context of the province focusing on restructuring the organizational apparatus and personnel of the two-level local government, the provincial Labor Federation and the upper-level trade unions directly supervising the grassroots issued decisions to dissolve and terminate the activities of 828 grassroots-level trade unions with 24,127 members in administrative and public service agencies receiving 100% of their salaries from the state budget.

After rearrangement and merger, the entire province now has 83 grassroots-level trade unions (including 31 grassroots-level trade unions in public service units; 44 grassroots-level trade unions in enterprises; 4 grassroots-level trade unions in cooperatives; 4 grassroots-level trade unions in other organizations), and 3 commune/ward trade unions: Tuần Giáo commune Trade Union, Mường Thanh ward Trade Union, and Điện Biên Phủ ward Trade Union. The grassroots-level trade union network has been formed synchronously, closely linked with the government.

The provincial Labor Federation has proactively implemented a plan to improve the operational efficiency of commune and ward-level trade unions, focusing on three tasks: Innovating operational methods, taking the grassroots level as the focus, and linking with local political tasks; effectively caring for the lives of union members; and training skills for officials of grassroots-level trade unions. Accordingly, 24 full-time trade union officials have attended professional training courses organized by the Vietnam General Labor Confederation; the provincial Labor Federation and the upper-level trade unions directly supervising the grassroots have also trained over 300 non-specialized trade union officials. Thanks to clear orientation and close guidance, after 3 months, the activities of trade unions at all levels have gradually stabilized and become effective.

Mr. Tẩn Minh Long, Vice Chairman of the provincial Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee and Chairman of the provincial Labor Federation, stated: “The provincial Labor Federation has proactively rearranged and consolidated the grassroots-level trade union organizational model towards being streamlined, effective, and suitable for local realities. After 3 months of implementation, many grassroots-level trade unions and commune/ward trade unions have effectively promoted their core role in grasping thoughts and aspirations, and in mobilizing and communicating with union members and workers to actively participate in movements such as: ‘Good Labor - Creative Labor,’ ‘Green - Clean - Beautiful, Ensuring Occupational Safety and Health,’ and ‘Good Counsel, Good Service’.”

Spreading movements at grassroots level

At the Tuần Giáo commune Trade Union, although newly established, the team of officials and members quickly adapted to their new tasks.

Mr. Phạm Ngọc Nhưng, Chairman of the Tuần Giáo commune Trade Union, said: “The commune Trade Union currently has 13 grassroots-level trade unions with over 1,000 members. Initially, the unit faced many difficulties due to the new model and the large operational area. However, with a spirit of unity and learning, the union continues to affirm its role with many practical activities being implemented, such as: Visiting, wishing Tet greetings, and giving gifts to union members, workers in difficult circumstances, and policy-beneficiary families. This promptly encourages union members and workers and affirms the role of the grassroots-level trade union organization in accompanying, sharing, and caring for the lives of its members.”

The grassroots-level trade union of the Điện Biên Phủ Medical Center, previously under the former Điện Biên Phủ city Labor Federation, is now under the Điện Biên Phủ ward Trade Union, with a total of over 230 members and workers. In recent times, trade union activities at the unit have continued to be effectively maintained. They promptly encourage and visit members and workers or their families facing illness or misfortune in life, and organize many meaningful activities such as the “Mid-Autumn Festival,” “Vietnamese Women’s Day October 20,” as well as emulation movements and social and humanitarian activities. As a result, members and workers increasingly trust and feel attached to the trade union organization, contributing to building a united, dynamic collective that successfully completes its professional tasks.

Implementing the “Trade Union Shelter” program, from 2024 to the present, trade unions at all levels in the province have mobilized, received, and supported the funding for the construction of more than 30 houses, with a total value of over VND 1.3 billion. These shelters are a great source of encouragement, helping union members overcome difficulties and rise up in life.

The “Trade Union Shelter” for the family of Mr. Vũ Anh Tuấn, a member of the Trade Union of the Center for Culture and Cinematography under the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, was just completed in mid-2025. The house was built with support from the “Golden Heart” Fund of the Vietnam General Labor Confederation, along with the family’s counterpart funding. Moved, Mr. Vũ Anh Tuấn shared: “The new house helps my family have stable accommodation so we can continue to work with peace of mind. I thank the trade union organizations at all levels for always caring for our lives, accompanying us, and sharing with members in difficulty.”

Trade unions at all levels have also promoted activities to visit and encourage members, and to commend collectives and individuals with achievements in emulation movements. These activities show that grassroots-level trade unions are becoming an “extended arm” of the provincial Labor Federation in grasping the situation, contributing to stabilizing labor relations, and building a cohesive and responsible community of members.

Mr. Tẩn Minh Long, Vice Chairman of the provincial Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee and Chairman of the provincial Labor Federation, said: “In the coming time, the provincial Labor Federation will continue to closely follow the locality’s political tasks and the directives of the Vietnam General Confederation of Labor to specify them into trade union tasks and activities suitable for the reality. We will proactively grasp the situation at the grassroots level, propose social security policies, improve the lives and incomes of workers, promote digital transformation in member management and cadre training, develop membership, and establish grassroots-level trade unions in enterprises.”

With a spirit of renewal and high responsibility, the trade union organization of Điện Biên province is gradually affirming its role as a solid support point and a bridge between members, workers, and the party committees and authorities. Each grassroots-level trade union is a nucleus contributing to building an increasingly strong contingent of workers, civil servants, and laborers, joining forces for the stable and sustainable development of the province in the new period.