These days, many businesses in Ninh Binh province have simultaneously organized the "Trade Union Meal" program with meals of higher value than usual. But behind those meals, what workers expect is not only a better day to eat, but also the quality of daily meals to be sustainably improved.
At West Coast Fragrance Co., Ltd. (belonging to Phuc Son Industrial Park, Nam Hoa Lu ward, Ninh Binh province), the "Trade Union Meal" program was implemented by the Company in coordination with the trade union organization, with each meal worth 75,000 VND/meal (an increase of 50,000 VND/meal compared to daily meals) to serve lunch meals for more than 1,000 workers at the Company.
Trade Union Meals" is not simply an activity to support additional meals in one day. This is also an opportunity for trade unions, employers and workers to share and listen to issues directly related to the lives of workers at work.
However, the greater meaning is that from a meal improved on a special occasion, the Trade Union has more basis to exchange with businesses about the quality of daily meals for hundreds of thousands of workers.
Ms. Dao Thi Hanh - Chairwoman of the grassroots trade union of Jeil Kovi Vina Co., Ltd. said that the daily lunch meal of workers in the Company is currently worth 22,000 VND/portion, the organization of "Trade Union Meals" worth 92,000 VND/portion helps workers have meals that ensure nutritional quality and we grassroots trade union officials also have more conditions to get closer and understand more clearly the thoughts and aspirations of workers. From there, we will propose and negotiate with businesses to gradually improve the quality of lunch meals for workers" - Ms. Hanh shared.
Mr. Nguyen Hai Long - Chairman of Ninh Binh Provincial Labor Federation said that "Trade Union Meals" is a practical activity towards the 97th anniversary of the founding of the Vietnam General Confederation of Labour (July 28, 1929 - July 28, 2026), contributing to improving the quality of lunch meals, bringing practical benefits and increasing welfare for union members and workers.
According to Mr. Long, improving the quality of lunch meals from trade union financial sources, along with the companionship of businesses and socialized sources, not only contributes to improving working conditions but also creates motivation for employees to feel secure and stick with businesses for a long time. This is also an opportunity for provincial leaders, trade union organizations and businesses to directly meet, listen to the thoughts and aspirations of union members and employees, thereby building progressive, harmonious and stable labor relations.
Current reality shows that improving the quality of lunch meals is increasingly associated with the representative function of the Trade Union organization. Ninh Binh province currently has over 70% of enterprises with trade union organizations organizing lunch meals or supporting lunch meal costs for workers.
Notably, 458 grassroots trade unions have proactively proposed and negotiated with employers to adjust and improve the value and quality of lunch meals. This figure shows that taking care of meals for workers no longer depends solely on support programs during holidays, Tet or Workers' Month.
When the Trade Union includes the value of meals, food quality, kitchen conditions and workers' nutritional needs in the content of dialogue and negotiation with businesses, not every business can immediately increase the value of meals. However, the Trade Union can propose a roadmap to adjust, mobilize businesses to supplement resources or change the organization method to make meals more nutritious" - Mr. Long shared.
