8.2.2. Employment practice unions
UEH Union: Supporting the Rights and Development of Faculty and Staff
Since its inception in 1976, the UEH Union has been honored with multiple prestigious awards, including the Third-Class Labor Medal (May 8, 1996), Second-Class Labor Medal (December 20, 2001), First-Class Labor Medal (June 21, 2006), and Third-Class Independence Medal (November 15, 2011) from the President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.
The year 2023 marks a pivotal period with union congresses at all levels in preparation for the 13th National Congress of the Vietnam General Confederation of Labor. Throughout the education sector, reform efforts continue to be implemented according to Resolution 29-NQ/TW, which focuses on fundamental, comprehensive innovations in education and training, as well as the Education Development Strategy for 2021-2030, with a vision toward 2045. The union has also initiated an Action Program in response to Resolution 02-NQ/TW from the Politburo, issued on June 12, 2021, which aims to modernize the organization and operations of the Vietnam General Confederation of Labor in the new context. This year has also witnessed robust growth within the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH) community, where continuous efforts, creativity, and a spirit of unity have led to remarkable achievements.
With the support and guidance of the Party Committee and the UEH Board of Directors, as well as the leadership of the affiliated member schools and the dedicated efforts of the Executive Committee and all members, employees, and workers, UEH’s Union activities in 2023 have achieved remarkable results. These accomplishments include the Excellent Emulation Flag in the "Scientific Research and Technology Transfer" movement from the Vietnam National Education Union, and an outstanding achievement award in the "Skilled Labor and Strong Union Building" movement for the 2022-2023 academic year, granted by the Ho Chi Minh City Federation of Labor.
Beyond its core functions of protecting legitimate rights and interests, supporting the welfare of employees, raising awareness, and conducting oversight, the UEH Union has organized a variety of meaningful activities. These initiatives align closely with UEH’s development goals, delivering positive value to members, employees, and workers. Notable activities include:
1. Lunar New Year 2023 – Embracing Compassion and Social Responsibility: During Lunar New Year, the UEH Union organized gift-giving for retired faculty and staff, with support totaling 410 million VND, and for the families of 26 retired faculty members who had passed away. Additionally, gifts were distributed to 784 employees, totaling 78.4 million VND.
2. UEH Union Congress XVI: Starting with the organization of the Union Congress of affiliated units for the 2023-2025 term, then launching the Video clip contest to welcome the UEH Union Congress XVI, term 2023-2028 with many attractive prizes, and ending with the successful organization of the UEH Union Congress XVI, term 2023-2028, marking the solidarity and determination to develop of the union team.
3. Promotion of Competitions and Organizational Initiatives: The Union has been active in various industry competitions, including the "Excellence in Teaching, Management, and Service" campaign and initiatives to strengthen "Democracy – Discipline – Compassion – Responsibility." It has also launched a UEH union evaluation software and implemented a new organizational structure.
4. Honoring Women and Families: On the occasion of International Women's Day 8.3, the Union organized a tour for female civil servants and employees to Ba Den Mountain, Tay Ninh. This activity emphasized the importance of women and family values in the UEH community.
5. Cultural, sports and exchange activities: Traditional sports festival, EngKara Idol English Karaoke singing contest, and Coffee Talks & Board Games English exchange activities create a diverse, interesting and educational cultural environment. This is an opportunity for employees and staff to express their creativity, improve their health and English communication skills.
6. Community Outreach: Through the implementation of many social events such as STEAM Festival for children, the “Decorative lighting design” competition, and “Dreaming of Fairyland” Family Festival, UEH Union actively contributes to building a cultural community, understanding technology and behaving responsibly.
7. Policy Awareness and Knowledge Enhancement: The policy dissemination session, training and fostering regime for more than 300 UEH officials and employees not only helps update information but also enhances their knowledge and skills.
8. Health and Wellness Support: Cooperating with medical organizations, the program "Accompanying UEH to take care of healthy eyes" brings comprehensive health benefits to more than 300 employees and staff.
The UEH Union is dedicated to creating an equitable, safe, and opportunity-rich work environment. Through its focused initiatives, the UEH Union reaffirms its role in safeguarding the rights of faculty and staff, providing a stable foundation for their contributions and sustainable growth at UEH, while building a united and positive UEH community.
News and photos: UEH Union, Department of Research Management - International Cooperation
