For the labour federation, counteracting such bad word of mouth is complicated by a catch-22. Under Vietnamese law, workers should take the initiative to set up unions at companies with more than 10 employees. But unless the company allows outside unionists to proselytize inside the factory, workers have little incentive to organize. And there's little appeal in paying dues to an organization that doesn't explicitly represent their interests. At the Binh Duong labour federation, for example, Vice-Chairman Nguyen Tam Duong recounts that Triumph twice rebuffed his efforts to meet workers.
Triumph refuses comment.
Yet Duong never considered meeting workers outside the factory to whip up enthusiasm. Other unionists point to a political climate that discourages rabble-rousing. My colleagues would not understand my determination and goodwill. I'm afraid it would affect my career. The party has no wish to see unions grow too strong.