From 60 million VND to a solid roof
For many years working as a worker at Hoa Cam General Printing Co., Ltd., Da Nang city, Ms. Vo Thi Chin always hoped to have a solid house for her family. But with a meager worker's salary, worrying about market money and daily living expenses is already difficult, saving up to build a house is almost beyond her ability. She and her husband live in a degraded level 4 house. Every rainy and storm season comes, the worry about the roof is constantly present. The desire to repair the house to be safe and stable has been around for a long time but still has to be put aside because the family does not have enough financial conditions.
The turning point came when her family was supported by the Da Nang City Labor Federation with 60 million VND from the "Trade Union Shelter" Program. The amount of money could not cover all construction costs but was a very important initial resource, helping her family boldly borrow more to build a house.
The local youth union also came to support working days. From the Trade Union's funding, the community's joint efforts and the family's efforts, a new house gradually formed. "The small house has deteriorated, so the family wants to repair it to stabilize it, but the workers' salaries are still difficult. Being supported by the Labor Federation with additional funds to build a new house, I feel secure in my work" - Ms. Chin shared.
For Ms. Chin, the value of the "Trade Union Shelter" is not only calculated in 60 million VND. It is also peace of mind when the rainy and storm season comes, is a condition for workers to stabilize their lives, focus on working and continue to stick with the business. And the story of Ms. Chin's family also shows the effectiveness of the support method combining many resources. The Trade Union creates initial capital, the family contributes and borrows more, and mass organizations support working days. Each side contributes a part to turn the seemingly distant wishes of workers into a real home.
Resettlement support for tens of thousands of union members
The summary report of activities to support "Trade Union Shelter" for union members and workers in the period 2016-2026, organized by the Vietnam General Confederation of Labour in Da Nang city on September 10, said: In the past 10 years, the "Trade Union Shelter" program has mobilized 1,419.82 billion VND. Of which, union members and workers contributed 1,037.13 billion VND; budget sources, local and sectoral trade union finances contributed 92.58 billion VND; philanthropists, organizations and businesses contributed 290.11 billion VND.
The total amount of support money spent is 1,032.57 billion VND, thereby completing 26,120 "Trade Union Homes", including 21,332 newly built houses and 4,788 repaired houses. The program is implemented in 34/34 provinces and cities and 15/17 central industry trade unions, economic group trade unions, and general corporation trade unions directly under the Vietnam General Confederation of Labour.
The common support level is from 30-60 million VND for new construction and from 12-30 million VND for repair. Some units have proactively increased the support level for new construction to 70-100 million VND, repair to 40-45 million VND to better suit the prices of materials and labor.
Dr. Tran Thi Thanh Ha - Member of the Standing Committee of the Vietnam General Confederation of Labor, Deputy Head of the Labor Relations Department - assessed that the program has brought deep and practical effectiveness in both material and spiritual aspects. This activity clearly affirms the role of representing, caring for, and protecting the Trade Union organization; and at the same time strengthens the trust and connection between workers and the Vietnam Trade Union.
That effectiveness comes from correctly identifying subjects, publicizing lists and support funds, closely coordinating with local authorities in verifying circumstances, and monitoring the construction process. Many places also prioritize union members in remote, isolated, border areas and areas with difficult economic conditions.
