Family meal at work
After the afternoon shift, Ms. Nguyen Thi Hanh - a worker at a chemical enterprise in Tang Loong industrial park - and colleagues gathered around a hot meal at the collective dining hall. A meal worth less than tens of thousands of VND, but for her, it is a practical sharing.
“Previously, we ate temporarily, sometimes bringing cold rice from home. Now the company supports a nutritious meal, and there is an additional allowance for gasoline, raising young children, we are more assured to work” - Ms. Hanh said.
Not only Ms. Hanh, thousands of workers in Lao Cai are benefiting from improving lunch meals - one of the contents that trade union levels pay special attention to. Many businesses have proactively increased spending levels, controlled food quality, and developed balanced nutritional menus. Along with that, regimes such as labor contracts, social insurance, and health insurance are fully implemented.
Some businesses also supplement support items such as attendance, housing, travel... to help workers reduce the burden of spending.
According to Vice Chairman of Lao Cai Provincial Labor Federation Phan Huy Cuong, ensuring basic rights and improving welfare is an important factor to retain workers in the context that many industries are lacking human resources.
The support of workers
In the "Trade Union Shelter" house just completed construction, Mr. Sung A Chau, a worker at Tram Tau Irrigation Enterprise, Tan Phu Limited Liability Company, expressed his excitement that he no longer has to worry about carrying his children to run from floods at night every time it rains heavily.
Mr. Chau's level 4 house with an area of 100m2 was built from the "Trade Union Social" Fund supported by 50 million VND from the Lao Cai Provincial Labor Federation and 60 million VND from the grassroots Trade Union of Tan Phu Co., Ltd.
This is one of many Trade Union Solidarity Houses supported to be built for union members in difficult circumstances. Each house is not only a place to shelter from rain and sun but also a fulcrum for workers to stabilize their lives and feel secure in working for a long time.
In parallel with housing support, trade union levels also organize visits and gifts for workers in difficult circumstances and labor accidents; implement periodic health check-up programs and legal advice right at the enterprise.
The spiritual life of workers is also receiving more attention. Art and sports programs, "Workers' Day", exchanges between units... are organized regularly, creating a cohesive atmosphere. At many businesses, after work hours, workers can participate in football clubs, art performances, or simply collective activities.
Going to work is not only to earn money, but also to feel cared for and respected" - Mr. Nguyen Van Duc - a worker at Yen Bai Silkworm Company - shared after a sports exchange organized by the trade union.
According to leaders of the Lao Cai Provincial Labor Federation, when workers are comprehensively cared for, they will be more attached to businesses for a longer time. This is also the foundation for creative labor emulation movements to promote efficiency, contributing to improving productivity and production quality.
From full meals, solid roofs to a rich spiritual life, the changes taking place every day in Lao Cai show a sustainable approach: Caring for workers is not only a responsibility, but also the "key" to development.
When workers are assured to stay, businesses stabilize production, and localities retain human resources - that is the circle of benefits that humane policies are gradually creating.
