Currently, more than 90% of enterprises with Trade Union organizations in Lao Cai province have organized or supported lunch meals for workers. Of which, about 35% of enterprises organize on-site meals, 60% support meal money or part of the cost. Thanks to that, 100% of workers at units with lunch meals are entitled to this policy.
If previously, many businesses only maintained a meal price of about 15,000 VND/portion, now, 165 grassroots trade unions have successfully negotiated to adjust the increase in the value of lunch meals. The average meal price reaches about 28,000 VND/portion; the highest place is up to 45,000 VND, the lowest also reaches 20,000 VND/portion.
According to Ms. Dinh Thi Hong Lan - Deputy Head of the Trade Union of Industrial Parks of Lao Cai province, grassroots trade unions are directed to coordinate with experts to support from 25,000 to 35,000 VND/portion to ensure nutritious meals for workers.
In enterprises that organize collective kitchens, the dining area - kitchen is arranged separately, ensuring cleanliness and ventilation. The menu is changed flexibly every day, suitable for workers' tastes and ensuring nutritional balance.
The food sources used in lunch meals all have clear origins and are strictly controlled from the import stage to processing.
At Thien An Vietnam Wood Industry Co., Ltd. - where there are nearly 800 workers - ensuring food safety is the top priority. A business representative said that the unit only signs contracts with reputable suppliers with full invoices and documents. Raw materials are carefully checked before being put into processing, without using poor quality food or leaving them overnight.
Every day, the company's medical staff store food samples in accordance with regulations to serve inspection when necessary.
In parallel with that, the Lao Cai Provincial Labor Federation also strengthened inspection and supervision of food safety and hygiene at collective kitchens; and surveyed the level of employee satisfaction with meals to promptly adjust.
Thanks to the synchronous involvement of the Trade Union organization and businesses, for many years in the province, no food poisoning cases have been recorded at collective kitchens in enterprises.
Ms. Nguyen Thi Bich Nhiem - Chairwoman of the Lao Cai Provincial Labor Federation - said: "Trade Union Meals" is an activity rich in human meaning, showing the companionship of the Trade Union organization with businesses in caring for the lives of workers.
When health is ensured, workers will be assured to work and stick with the business for a long time. This is also an important foundation for businesses to develop stably and sustainably" - Ms. Nhiem emphasized.
