Accelerating site clearance, worrying about workers' livelihoods
The Lao Cai - Hanoi - Hai Phong railway line has been approved by the National Assembly for investment policy in Resolution 187, with a total length of about 420km. The line is designed with a standard gauge of 1,435mm, maximum speed of 160km/h on the main axis, with a preliminary total investment of more than 203,000 billion VND (8.37 billion USD), deployed in two phases.
For the section passing through Lao Cai province, it is more than 143km long, the total land area expected to be recovered in the pre-feasibility phase is about 1,397ha, involving 6,694 households.
In Dong Pho Moi Industrial Park, there are 40 businesses directly affected, most of which are within the construction scope of the new Lao Cai Station - a mixed station serving both freight and passenger transport, with an area of about 60ha.
According to Mr. Nguyen Van Nhat - Chairman of Lao Cai Ward People's Committee, the items serving the project are being implemented simultaneously, from determining resettlement locations, preparing compensation plans to approving and paying expenses. Some businesses in Dong Pho Moi Industrial Park are currently facing problems with asset unit prices, the ward has hired a consulting unit to inventory, value and complete dossiers according to regulations.
During the site clearance process, production facilities located in the relocated area are fully inventoried, and support and compensation plans are developed to minimize impacts on production activities as well as workers' jobs," Mr. Nhat said.
Reality shows that the massive relocation of businesses will certainly affect the lives and jobs of hundreds of workers.
Mr. Nguyen Viet Hung - a worker working at Dong Pho Moi Industrial Park - shared: "When we heard the news that businesses had to move to give up land for the project, we were very confused because we did not know what the upcoming work would be like. However, after being propagated, explained and committed to coordinating with businesses to ensure jobs by grassroots trade union officials, we were more reassured.
Trade union accompanies workers
Talking to Lao Dong Newspaper, Mr. Hoang Tuan Hai - Deputy Head of the Trade Union Committee of Industrial Parks and Economic Zones of Lao Cai province - said that there are currently 4 grassroots trade unions managed by the unit with more than 500 workers who have to move to serve the railway project.
According to the arrangement plan, businesses and workers will be arranged to be transferred to Trinh Tuong - Coc My Industrial Park and Thong Nhat Industrial Cluster. It is expected that the entire factory closure will be completed by the end of the first quarter of 2026. Currently, some units are in the process of handing over land to implement the project.
Also according to Mr. Hai, the relocation will certainly affect the psychology, life and jobs of workers. Faced with that reality, the Trade Union of Industrial Parks and Economic Zones of Lao Cai province has closely coordinated with businesses to promote propaganda, helping workers understand the guidelines and policies for economic development of the province and the State.
Through propaganda, the majority of workers are assured, confident and ready to move with businesses to give way to the construction of international railway stations. The Trade Union determines to accompany businesses, reassure the mindset, and stabilize jobs and lives for workers in the transition process" - Mr. Hai emphasized.
It is expected that in the coming time, the trade union will coordinate with Babeeni Company to organize the "Tet Sum vay 2026" program, giving gifts to union members and workers in difficult circumstances...
