Lao Dong Newspaper is a support for workers and laborers
In early June 2025, a reporter from Lao Dong Newspaper received a report from dozens of workers and laborers at Dien Bien Cassava Starch Processing Factory (under DPP Tay Bac Company Limited, in Na Huom village, the old Na Tong commune, now Nu Ngam commune, Dien Bien province). These people said that the factory owed them wages for many months without paying.
Due to being too upset because they had repeatedly reported to the commune authorities but the incident had not been resolved, dozens of workers and laborers hung banners at the factory gate and brought loudspeakers to request the company to pay the debt...
Immediately afterwards, Lao Dong Newspaper reporters were present in the locality to meet with representatives of the group of workers and laborers. Through the reporter's investigation, there are 44 workers who have not been paid their salaries with a total debt of more than 530 million VND during the working period from early February to mid-March 2025.
Not only owed workers' salaries, a group of 13 other individuals also filed a petition for help because the company had not paid nearly 600 million VND, including 300 million VND for land clearance, cassava factory construction and about 300 million VND for buying fresh cassava from people as raw materials.
It is worth mentioning that these workers have contacted and submitted petitions to the company many times but have not received any response. Even meeting or contacting the company director by phone could not be done. They have also submitted petitions many times and attended working sessions with the government of Na Tong commune (old), the company director also promised to repay the debt many times but did not repay it...
Immediately after receiving a report from Lao Dong Newspaper, on June 13, the People's Committee of Dien Bien District (old) held a working session with Mr. Ta Hong Diep - Director of the company. At the meeting, Mr. Diep admitted to owing workers' wages and workers' money. At the same time, it has committed to mobilizing capital to pay wages owed to workers before June 30, 2025. However, once again, on schedule but unable to repay the debt, Mr. Diep closed the factory gate and cut off all communication.
On July 2, Lao Dong Newspaper reporters continued to work with the new commune government. Mr. Nguyen Thanh Trung - Chairman of the People's Committee of Nu Ngam commune (a newly established commune after the merger) said that although the new commune government has come into operation, it will urgently coordinate with competent authorities to verify and resolve the incident.
On July 15, the Propaganda and Mass Mobilization Committee of Dien Bien Provincial Party Committee also issued a document requesting the People's Committee of Nu Ngam Commune to verify and clarify the content of Lao Dong Newspaper's reflection to report to the Standing Committee of Dien Bien Provincial Party Committee.
By July 29, all workers whose wages were owed by the factory had been fully paid. Along with that, on July 29, cassava farmers who were owed money were also paid the debt after comparing their books with the company.
Workers and laborers thank Lao Dong Newspaper for always accompanying them
On July 30, after a series of articles accompanying workers and laborers to fight for their rights, dozens of workers and laborers at Dien Bien Cassava Starch Processing Factory and cassava farmers have received the full amount of their debts.
Receiving the nearly 27 million VND paid by the company, Mr. Lo Van Tinh said: "We are truly grateful to Lao Dong Newspaper for being extremely responsible and effective in getting involved. Thanks to the voice of the newspaper, we soon get our wages back to cover our living expenses".
Sharing the joy of receiving the salary, Mr. Quang Thanh Nghia - one of the people selling cassava to the factory - said that on the morning of July 30, the company had paid off all the debts for many months.
"After Lao Dong Newspaper continuously informed and reflected on the incident, the authorities quickly took action. As of today (September 30), we have received enough money. We would like to thank Lao Dong Newspaper and the authorities for reclaiming the legitimate rights of the people" - Mr. Nghia said.
On the morning of July 30, informing reporters of Lao Dong Newspaper, Mr. Vi Van Bien - Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Nu Ngam Commune - said that after paying all debts, Dien Bien Cassava Starch Processing Factory will continue to operate and purchase cassava for local people.
Currently, DPP Tay Bac Company Limited has made changes to its board of directors. Accordingly, Mr. Lo Viet Hoang has accepted the duties of Director, replacing Mr. Ta Hong Diep who resigned" - Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Nu Ngam commune - said.
