Nguyen Hung, 54, worked for nearly 18 years at the Labor Federation of District 12 (former Ho Chi Minh City). He lost his job when the district-level union was dissolved. Regular staff received support under Decree 178, but Hung, a contract worker, received nothing.
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Nguyen Hung organizes documents of the District 12 Labor Federation for transfer to the city on 28/6. Photo: Le Tuyet |
Nguyen Hung organizes documents of the District 12 Labor Federation for transfer to the city on 28/6. Photo: Le Tuyet
With a law degree, Hung worked under an open-ended contract, receiving a state-regulated salary, plus allowances for party work, public duties, and benefits specific to Ho Chi Minh City. His responsibilities and workload, he said, were identical to those of regular union staff, yet this was not recognized upon his dismissal.
Having handled numerous worker strikes and pursued labor rights cases for years, Hung was proud to be a union officer. Now, with the restructuring, he feels redundant.
"I feel very hurt," Hung said, worried about the future with his age, his wife's unstable income, and his son in university.
Similarly, Duong The Nguyen, a union officer specializing in Ho Chi Minh City's export processing and industrial zones, expressed disappointment at being laid off without any benefits as part of the streamlining process.
After nearly 16 years with the union, Nguyen said he dedicated himself to his work, from grassroots movements to welfare activities, representing workers' rights, guiding negotiations during strikes, and taking legal action on behalf of union members.
At the peak of the Covid-19 outbreak, he volunteered on the front lines, delivering food to quarantine zones and factories operating under the "three-on-site" model, and assisting with vaccinations. "We never complained, but now, as we are laid off, we are discriminated against as contract workers," Nguyen said. At 46, he is worried about finding new employment with his wife unemployed and a two-month-old daughter.
According to the Vietnam General Confederation of Labor, there are 574 contract union staff nationwide. Most have served for many years, performing specialized tasks like civil servants. However, because they are not regular staff, they are not eligible for support under Decree 178 during organizational restructuring and downsizing.
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Duong The Nguyen distributes gifts to workers during the Tet program in 2023. Photo: An Phuong |
Duong The Nguyen distributes gifts to workers during the Tet program in 2023. Photo: An Phuong
The Ministry of Home Affairs, after review, stated that these contract workers do not hold positions legally permitted for contract employment within government agencies or public service units. Therefore, they are not eligible for support under Decree 178 or Decree 67.
Dang Ngoc Tung, former President of the Vietnam General Confederation of Labor, explained that contract union staff were hired out of necessity when regular staff numbers were insufficient. They were recruited and paid with union funds and played vital roles within the organization.
"I agree with streamlining, but no one should be left behind. These staff deserve recognition and support like regular employees," Tung said, adding that he has proposed to authorities to allow the use of union funds to provide benefits for these staff, without impacting the state budget.
Vu The Van, former President of the Ho Chi Minh City Export Processing and Industrial Zones Union, said that with the restructuring, her unit was dissolved on 1/7. Many regular staff received benefits upon leaving, but 10 contract staff received nothing. They left facing difficulties: older age, young children, elderly parents to care for, and rental housing.
"Considering support for these staff not only helps them overcome difficulties, but also recognizes their contributions to the organization, aligning with the traditions and goals of the trade union," Van said.
Le Tuyet
