Care starts from the shift
More than 10 years working as a garment worker at Panko Tam Thang Co., Ltd. (Tam Thang Industrial Park, Da Nang), Ms. Tran Thi Hanh has become accustomed to a regular working schedule: Sending children to work, going to the line, eating lunch and then working overtime when orders are urgent.
After giving birth to her second child, she returned to the factory with many worries. The baby was still breastfeeding, while the working shift was long, making her often tired. "Some days when I came back to the rented room, I was exhausted, the baby cried because of lack of milk, I felt sorry for myself" - Ms. Hanh recounted.
Since the business arranged milk pumping and storage rooms according to the proposal of the grassroots trade union, that worry has been significantly reduced. The room is not large, but there are milk pumps, refrigerators, sterilization equipment and private space. In the middle of the shift, Ms. Hanh and many female workers raising young children can take advantage of safe milk pumping and storage to bring back for their children.
What I cherish most is the feeling that I don't have to beg or bother anyone. The company has its own place, has suitable time, I can both maintain my health and feel secure in breastfeeding my child" - she said.
Da Nang City currently has nearly 300,000 workers working in industrial zones and clusters, of which female workers account for more than 55%. The majority work in the fields of garment, footwear, and electronics - industries with high labor intensity and income that is not really abundant. Many people are far from home, renting rooms, raising children alone or lacking family support.
From that reality, trade union levels have promoted many practical care models for female workers. Among them, the "Milk pumping - storage cabin" model has been implemented in some businesses, with some places investing tens of millions of VND to equip private rooms, milk pumps, refrigerators, and sterilization cabinets. To date, about 15 businesses in the area have installed and operated 28 milk pumping and storage rooms serving female workers.
Currently, there are more than 300 businesses with separate policies, prioritizing female workers; in which, many contents on occupational safety and health, working conditions, and suitable restrooms at workplaces are included in collective labor agreements. Nearly 400 businesses organize periodic health check-ups and gynecological specialist check-ups for female workers.
Home after the upheavals
Not only caring for female workers during shifts, trade union levels also pay attention to supporting difficulties, building houses, and providing emergency assistance, becoming a support when they encounter adversity.
Seven years ago, Ms. N.T. V, a garment worker at Sedo Vinako Co., Ltd. (Duy Xuyen commune, Da Nang) had a traffic accident on her way back to her rented room. After many months of treatment, she could not work with the same productivity as before. Health declined, income was lower, while raising a young child alone, her and her children's temporary house deteriorated after each rainy season.
At times I thought I probably wouldn't dare to dream of having a solid house in my whole life. All the money I made was for medicine and tuition fees for my children," Ms. V recalled.
From the proposal of the grassroots trade union, she was supported by the City Labor Federation with 50 million VND to build a "Trade Union Shelter". Colleagues contributed more working days, and relatives helped with materials. The small house completed before the rainy season not only helped her and her children have a safe place to live, but also pulled her out of the feeling of loneliness after the upheaval.
In addition to the companionship of the Trade Union, inspection and supervision work is also strengthened. Mr. Nguyen Qui Quy - Deputy Director of Da Nang Department of Home Affairs - said that every year, the city's inter-sectoral inspection team works with about 20 businesses, focusing on industries with high risk of occupational accidents and diseases such as building materials production, mineral exploitation, and construction.
For female workers, the inspection team focuses on implementing regulations on caring for and protecting their rights at the workplace. "We guide businesses to properly implement the provisions of law, and at the same time request to overcome limitations. In case of violations of regulations on occupational safety and health, we will propose to competent authorities to handle and strictly punish according to regulations" - Mr. Quy said.
