UEH Labor Union: Fostering Community Bonds and Promoting Sustainable Values

28 Jan, 2025

In 2024, the UEH Labor Union continued to support staff and workers through a series of impactful initiatives. These efforts ranged from aligning with the university’s development strategy and fostering a creative work environment to driving digital transformation in operations, promoting healthcare, strengthening community bonds, and spreading humanitarian values. Together, these endeavors have created lasting impressions on the path towards sustainable development.

Supporting the UEH University in Organizational Restructuring

The UEH Labor Union has actively supported the university throughout their organizational restructuring process, playing a key role in the successful transition to a multidisciplinary university model. As a representative body for staff and workers, the Union collaborated closely with university leadership to organize discussions, workshops, and training sessions. These efforts clearly and comprehensively conveyed the goals and strategies of the restructuring process. Not only did these activities enhance understanding of the implementation and significance of restructuring among staff and workers, but they also fostered the consensus and support necessary for structural changes.

Over the past year, the UEH Labor Union has placed special emphasis on improving legal awareness and knowledge among their union officers. Comprehensive training sessions on the Law on Grassroots Democracy Implementation and the roles and the responsibilities of Union organizations in promoting democracy, particularly during the restructuring process, were systematically conducted. These sessions equipped union officers with a deeper understanding of their role in coordinating with the university to effectively inform, persuade, and engage staff and workers in the process. Additionally, the UEH Labor Union promptly reviewed and consolidated union structures in newly established units following the organizational restructuring. This ensured stability and provided a foundation for the Union to continue protecting and supporting workers effectively.

Overall, in 2024, through activities (dialogue, listening, oversight, and social critique), the UEH Labor Union fulfilled their role as a vital bridge between university leadership and staff. The mutual understanding, connection, and shared purpose between the two sides fostered a unified and harmonious workforce, significantly contributing to the success of the organizational restructuring and UEH's development as a sustainable and multidisciplinary University.

Promoting a Positive Working Environment and Sustainable Growth

The UEH Labor Union has always been dedicated to fostering a happy work environment where staff and workers feel cared for and supported at every stage of their lives. With over 500 million VND in Tet gifts distributed, the Union brought joy and shared warmth during this important holiday, strengthening community bonds. Additionally, the Union focused on younger generations - the children of staff and workers - through various initiatives. These included cultural exchanges to celebrate International Children’s Day (June 1), academic achievement awards for the 2023–2024 school year, and a diverse range of summer activities (the Thanh Da Summer Camp) and sports classes featuring table tennis and self-defense. These programs not only encouraged the holistic development of the children but also fostered stronger connections between families and the workplace.

Innovation and creativity remained at the heart of the UEH Labor Union's activities in 2024, highlighted by the English-language contest "Proud of Multidisciplinary and Sustainable UEH" - UEH EngContest 2024. This initiative aimed to enhance English proficiency - a vital skill in the global labor market. The contest attracted over 42 creative submissions, including essays, podcasts, posters, and videos. Outstanding works were showcased through an electronic exhibition, offering viewers a fresh and engaging experience while encouraging creativity within the community. This initiative not only improved language skills but also provided a platform for innovation where staff and workers could learn, showcase their talents, and connect with UEH's vision for sustainable development. Through these efforts, the UEH Labor Union reinforced their commitment to creating a thriving work environment and supporting the UEH university's sustainable growth.

Award Ceremony for the English Composition Contest “Proud of UEH’s Multidisciplinary and Sustainable Development” - UEH EngContest 2024

The UEH Labor Union has also prioritized advancing academic engagement and fostering innovative thinking through initiatives ("UEH Sustainable Development" Seminar Series). With strong participation from staff, these seminars provided a platform for knowledge exchange, the development of breakthrough ideas, and the successful publication of a digitized proceedings collection, reaffirming the Union’s pioneering role in disseminating knowledge. In addition, a training program was organized for 85 union officers under the theme "Unity and Innovation with Multidisciplinary and Sustainable UEH". This program not only enhanced professional competencies but also strengthened bonds among members, promoting an efficient work environment and preparing them to navigate future challenges effectively.

Seminar 'Sustainable Development of UEH University - An Inevitable Trend Today'

Digital Transformation in Operations

As part of the UEH Labor Union’s digital transformation roadmap, the UEH Labor Union has prioritized this initiative to enhance the efficiency of its operations. Over the years, individual processes have been actively digitized. To further accelerate this progress, the Executive Committee of the UEH Labor Union has focused on developing a centralized platform to digitize workflows, standardize processes, and innovate management approaches and perspectives.

In 2024, the Executive Committee of the UEH Labor Union conducted research and development for a comprehensive management software system, which is set to launch in 2025. This centralized platform will integrate all labor union operations into a single system with a user-friendly interface, practical utilities, and well-defined access permissions. The software will allow for the easy retrieval and updating of member information, tracking of data changes, and ensuring consistency across the entire system. By combining transparent and clear workflows with digital technology, the platform will optimize operational efficiency while overcoming spatial and temporal barriers.

With this significant advancement, the UEH Labor Union aims not only to enhance the quality of its activities at both the unit and university levels but also to contribute to sustainable development and the modernization of all UEH Labor Union operations in the era of digital transformation.

Healthcare and Mental Well-being Enhancement

In 2024, the UEH Labor Union implemented a variety of practical initiatives aimed at providing comprehensive healthcare services to its staff and employees. These efforts included annual health check-ups for over 500 individuals, specialized programs as follows: "Eye Screening for Staff, Employees, and Their Families," "Stroke Awareness and Proactive Health Management at Home," and in-depth medical consultations. A highlight, the thematic seminar – “Nutrition – Improving Health and Enhancing Quality of Life”, provided valuable insights into the role of nutrition in maintaining health and improving work performance. These activities not only demonstrate the UEH Labor Union’s deep commitment to community health but also affirm their role as a steadfast support system for the physical and mental well-being of staff and employees.

Additionally, the "Managing Stress in Daily Life" seminar offered practical solutions to help members recognize workplace stress and to find ways to balance their lives. This initiative, led by the Union of UEH College of Business, underscored their dedication to the mental health and harmonious living needs of their members. This program significantly complements the series of healthcare and mental well-being activities organized by the UEH Labor Union, painting a meaningful and comprehensive picture of care for the community.

Thematic Report: “Nutrition – Improving Health and Enhancing Quality of Life”

Beyond healthcare initiatives, the UEH Labor Union continuously strives to enhance mental well-being through cultural, artistic, and sports activities. A prime example is the 2024 Cultural Performance Festival which showcased 41 diverse performances by 450 participants representing 34 union units. This event provided a vibrant cultural platform that spread joy, sparked creativity, and strengthened the sense of community within UEH. The lively melodies and emotionally charged performances became a valuable source of mental rejuvenation, enriching the collective pride and well-being of all members.

The UEH Labor Union took the initiative to organize an introductory session, hands-on activities, and a networking event for Pickleball - a rapidly growing sport that has gained widespread popularity - drawing enthusiastic participation from numerous staff and employees. These activities serve as a clear testament to the success of building a community of staff and employees who are not only physically healthy but also brimming with positive energy and creative inspiration.

2024 Cultural Performance Festival for UEH Staff and Employees

Celebrating the Role of Modern Women: Living Joyfully, Healthily, and Happily

The UEH Labor Union is committed to fostering gender equality and creating a workplace environment where women can achieve holistic development - not only in their professional careers but also in their personal lives. Embracing this vision, the Union has organized a series of meaningful activities under the theme "Modern Women: Living Joyfully, Healthily, and Happily," which garnered enthusiastic participation from a large number of female staff members. These events created a vibrant, positive atmosphere that strengthened community bonds.

The initiative not only honored the vital role of women in families and society but also served as a powerful source of inspiration, encouraging them to take comprehensive care of their physical and mental well-being. Activities as follows: health and wellness discussions, beauty consultations, and motivational talks from successful female leaders highlighted the immense value, potential, and strength of women across various fields, contributing significantly to the growth of UEH and the broader community.

The theme "Living Joyfully, Healthily, and Happily" delivers a profound message regarding achieving harmony between work and personal life. This inspires UEH’s female staff to continue affirming their capabilities, harnessing their talents, and spreading positive values. This initiative is part of the UEH Labor Union’s unwavering efforts to realize gender equality, fostering a workplace community where every individual is valued, empowered, and encouraged to thrive and contribute.

Seminar “Modern Women: Living Joyfully, Healthily, and Happily”

Spreading Humanitarian Values and Community Spirit

With a spirit of sharing and social responsibility, the UEH Labor Union has carried out numerous profoundly humanitarian activities, contributing to fostering community spirit both within and beyond the university. Notably, the union organized the program “Spring of Love”, distributing 400 gift packages valued at 200 million VND to disadvantaged individuals in Binh Chanh District. the UEH Labor Union also participated in various activities under the Emulation Bloc of the Ho Chi Minh City Federation of Labor and the Vietnam National Education Union, forums on sharing experiences in union work, discussions on “The Role of Labor Unions in Developing Job Position Proposals,” and contributing to the construction of faculty housing in Ea Ô Commune, Ea Kar District, Dak Lak Province, as well as in Ten Hon Hamlet, Tuan Giao District, Dien Bien Province, commemorating the 70th anniversary of the Dien Bien Phu Victory (May 7, 1954 – May 7, 2024).

These initiatives presented above not only provide practical support to educators in remote areas but also promote a profound sense of responsibility and compassion within the community. They serve as clear evidence of the UEH Labor Union’s strong commitment to fostering community connections and spreading positive values.

UEH Labor Union Presenting Tet Gifts in Support of the “Fund for the Poor” at the “Spring of Love” Program 2024

Expectations for the New Year

The year 2024 passed by with many significant achievements, from enhancing the welfare of staff and employees, fostering a happy working environment, to promoting community spirit and innovation. The UEH Labor Union continues to affirm their position and role within the UEH University’s overall activities. In 2025, the UEH Labor Union will remain committed to supporting all staff and employees, aiming to build a united, happy, and sustainable community.
On the occasion of the Lunar New Year of Ất Tỵ, the UEH Labor Union Executive Committee does extend our best wishes to all UEH staff and employees for a new year filled with prosperity, health, and success!

News and photos: UEH Labor Union