First time "going to Tet market without worrying about prices
Amidst the bustling crowd at the Trade Union Tet Market in the border commune of Bat Xat, Lao Cai province, Ms. Giang Thi Sua (37 years old), a garment worker at a processing facility, carefully holds a bag of rice, a bottle of cooking oil and some essential goods in her hand. On her sunburned face for a living, her smile is brighter than usual.
According to Ms. Sua, with the online Tet market format, union members can easily choose products suitable for family living needs, saving time and costs. The atmosphere of participating in the program took place soi noi, than tinh with close exchange messages in the grassroots trade union such as: "I got into the program, dear, I'm going to the market here..."; "I didn't expect to receive goods so quickly"...
The wages of garment workers here are not high, and they raise two children to study. Before, near Tet, I was very worried, I had to calculate every penny. This year, the trade union issued shopping vouchers, going to the Tet market to buy many things, everyone was happy" - Ms. Sua shared.
Not far from Lao Cai, at a Trade Union Tet Market in Lai Chau province, Mr. Lo Van Phuong, (42 years old), a construction material mining worker, could not hide his surprise when comparing prices.
Rice, cooking oil, fish sauce here are cheaper than outside the market. The important thing is that I have a support voucher, so I can buy more things. This is the first time going to the Tet market without having to weigh and measure too much," Mr. Phuong said with a smile.
Mr. Phuong is the main breadwinner in a family of 5 people. The job is heavy, income depends on the weather and the number of working days in the month. In difficult economic years, he sometimes has to borrow money to prepare for Tet for his family.
In Dien Bien, Ms. Hoang Thi Hanh (29 years old), a agricultural product processing worker holding a Tet gift box from a microwave oven to cakes, candies, and MSG - emotionally said: "It feels like Tet has come early.
Working seasonally, Ms. Hanh's income is unstable. In the last days of the year, she often has to work overtime to have more money to spend. According to her, the Trade Union Tet Market not only helps reduce costs, but also creates great spiritual joy for workers.
Bringing Tet markets to the highlands is of great significance
Mr. Nguyen Quoc Hoang - Chairman of the Dien Bien Phu Ward Trade Union, Dien Bien province - said: "The Trade Union Tet Market is a very practical activity for workers and laborers in the highlands - where income is still low and shopping conditions are limited. Through the Tet Market, workers are not only materially supported with essential goods and stable prices, but more importantly, they are encouraged and clearly feel the concern and companionship of the Trade Union organization during the Lunar New Year.
Ms. Nguyen Thi Bich Nhiem - Vice Chairwoman of the Provincial Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee, Chairwoman of Lao Cai Provincial Labor Federation - emphasized that the Trade Union Tet Market is one of the key activities in the Tet care program for union members and workers launched by the Vietnam General Confederation of Labor. Especially in the Northwest provinces - where workers' lives are still difficult, bringing Tet markets to the highlands is of great significance.
Goods at the market are mainly essential items serving Tet, with quality control and stable prices. In addition, workers also receive gifts, shopping vouchers, participate in exchange and cultural activities, creating a warm and cohesive atmosphere.
We hope that the Tet market will not only help workers have a more fulfilling Tet, but also let them clearly feel the role of the Trade Union organization - always accompanying and sharing with workers, especially in places with many difficulties" - Ms. Nguyen Thi Bich Nhiem said.
