Key tasks
According to Mr. Le An Hai - Member of the Standing Committee of the VGCL, Chairman of the Vietnam General Confederation of Industry and Trade, the "Trade Union Home" program is always identified as one of the key tasks in caring for the lives of union members and workers.
Not only carrying the meaning of material support, the program also demonstrates the responsibility of the Trade Union organization in accompanying and sharing with union members in particularly difficult circumstances, especially those who do not have a stable place to live.
With the motto "Each home given is more trust nurtured", trade union levels have actively mobilized resources from union members, workers, businesses and the social community. From there, a source of funding is maintained to support those who are truly in difficult housing circumstances.
In 10 years, the Vietnam Trade and Industry Union and trade unions at all levels have supported 125 union members and workers to build new or repair houses, with a total amount of 4.78 billion VND. Of which, 118 houses were supported for new construction, with a total budget of 4.64 billion VND; 7 houses were supported for repair, with a budget of 140 million VND.
The cases supported are all union members in particularly difficult circumstances, who have lived in temporary houses for many years, seriously degraded houses, or have to stay with relatives. There are cases of workers who have had labor accidents, people with critical illnesses, single union members raising young children, or families facing special difficulties. For them, a new house is not simply an asset, but also a fulcrum to start life over again," said Mr. Le An Hai.
Proposal to study adjusting new construction support levels
In many units, grassroots trade unions have proactively coordinated with businesses, local authorities and social organizations to mobilize additional funds, construction materials, labor days and essential equipment for living.
Thanks to that, the actual value of each house after completion is often higher than the initial support level. A fund allocated at the right time has become a starting point for many other resources to be mobilized. More importantly, the support process also creates a connection between union members, businesses, trade union organizations and the community.
From the achieved results, the Vietnam General Confederation of Industry and Trade determined that the "Trade Union Shelter" program continues to be one of the key activities in the work of caring for and social security of the Trade Union organization in the coming period.
Along with that, the Trade Union proposed that the VGCL study adjusting the level of support for new construction and repair of houses in accordance with the current construction price level, so that the support is truly more practical for union members.
The completion of regulations on subjects, conditions, and support dossiers is also set out in a direction that is more favorable for union members in particularly difficult circumstances, while still ensuring strictness, publicity, and transparency.
In particular, the Vietnam Trade and Industry Union proposes to study a support mechanism for cases of housing damage due to natural disasters, fires, accidents or force majeure situations.
Because for workers in difficult circumstances, a solid roof not only helps them have a place to shelter from rain and sun. It is also a guarantee for them to feel secure in their work, support their families and continue to be attached to the place where they are working" - Mr. Le An Hai assessed.
