Workers' Mobilization and the Formation of Grassroots Trade Unions in Non-Public Health Units: Evidence from Vietnamese Health Unions

Abstract

Purpose: The article analyzes the efforts of Vietnamese trade unions in attracting private health sector employees to form trade unions. Individuals obstruct this goal of Vietnam's trade unions in the context of a labor code that allows private enterprises to have their own trade unions without depending on the management of Vietnamese trade unions

Methodology Approach: This study is based on interdisciplinary approaches, including qualitative and quantitative research. 543 medical staff from private health enterprises were surveyed, combined with in-depth interviews and panel discussions on related topics

Findings: The  role of Vietnam's trade unions remains hugely influential in rallying workers in private health agencies. 68.5% of respondents still wish to be members of trade unions. However, 31.5 percent said they would be willing to form their own unions if they did not have real benefits to the participation of private-sector health workers

Practical Implications: The study has an important value in the activities of Vietnamese trade unions with the function of protecting the rights and interests of workers in both the public and private sectors. Viet Nam's trade unions face challenges from workers' representative organizations with equivalent and important functions protected by law when Vietnam joins new-generation trade agreements such as CPTPP and EVFTA.