Finding homesickness in temporary residence
As a city with many industrial parks, production facilities and services, Da Nang attracts a large number of workers from localities to work.
Most workers have to live far from their hometowns, far from their families and start rebuilding social relationships in their destinations. After work hours, their main living space is boarding houses, residential areas or public places near their workplaces.
Ms. Nguyen Thi Huong, from Quang Tri, currently working at Hoa Khanh Industrial Park, said that in the early days of coming to Da Nang, what made it difficult for her to adapt was not only the job but also the feeling of being unfamiliar in the new place.
After work, I usually only go back to my rented room, rarely knowing people around me. Since participating in activities of the Self-managed Workers' Group of the rented room area, I have more friends, have cultural and sports exchanges, and know where to ask for support when facing difficulties. Especially, on Tet holidays when I don't go home, when the Trade Union visits and gives gifts, we feel warmer and less homesick" - Ms. Huong shared.
Ms. Huong's story is also the common mood of many migrant workers. Originally mainly from rural areas, they have a significant need for connection and community activities. When facilitated to participate, they can become dynamic factors, helping activities in boarding houses and residential areas become more vibrant.
Therefore, community engagement for migrant workers is not a supplementary activity. This is one of the factors that helps them stabilize their lives, reduce feelings of alienity, increase trust and feel secure in working for a long time.
To do that, the way of gathering workers also needs to be changed. Not only mobilizing them to participate in organizations and unions, but more importantly, creating practical activities that are suitable for the time, needs and characteristics of young workers.
Giving opportunities for workers to participate and contribute
According to Ms. Nguyen Thi Ngoc Anh - Vice Chairwoman of the Da Nang City Labor Federation, young workers and migrant workers are not only subjects that need care but also important social resources.
When listened to, given trust and given opportunities, workers can go from the role of participants to organizers, volunteers, propagandists, young trade union officials or cultural and sports nuclei at businesses and residential areas. That is the way for workers to truly become a member of the community where they live" - Ms. Anh said.
Evidence of this is that from the beginning of the year to now, the Da Nang City Labor Federation has mobilized the establishment of more than 300 new grassroots trade unions, admitting more than 12,000 union members. Enthusiastic and enthusiastic workers are introduced to participate in the executive committee, directly organize activities and represent the voice of union members at enterprises.
A model that is promoting efficiency is the Self-managed Workers' Group of the boarding house area. Currently, Da Nang has 80 groups with about 12,000 workers participating. The members of the management board are mainly workers living in the boarding house area, so they understand the needs, circumstances and problems arising in daily life.
At self-managed worker groups, many activities are maintained such as propaganda, legal advice, book and newspaper distribution, equipping mobile speakers and proposing free Wi-Fi installation. During the Lunar New Year, the City Labor Federation donated 1,000 gifts, organized visits to workers who do not have the conditions to return to their hometowns and implemented the program "Tet is not far from home".
From taking care of jobs, income, housing, travel, health to cultural and spiritual life, a supportive ecosystem is gradually being formed.
When cared for and given the opportunity to contribute, migrant workers will no longer just be people coming to the city to work, but become members attached and responsible to businesses, residential areas and the community.
