Previously, many people in Dai Dong commune, from middle-aged women to men, left their hometowns, wrapped up to go to industrial parks in Bac Ninh, Thai Nguyen provinces... and then down to Binh Duong, Dong Nai. Being away from home to make a living at that time was almost the only option to take care of her life.
In recent years, the picture has changed. Production factories have sprung up right on their homeland. Modern workshops have become a "magnet" to attract on-site workers and welcome the flow of foreigner returning to start a business.
Ms. Bui Thi Ha, a resident of Buom hamlet, has been working as a worker in Bac Ninh province for many years. Although their income is good, the cost of renting a house and living on a foreign land makes life always difficult. When she heard that her hometown had a shoe factory under Thien Dieu Company Limited, she did not hesitate to return.
"My current salary is nearly 9 million VND/month, a little less than before. But in return, I get to live with my family, without spending on rent and food. The most important thing is stability and comfort when living right in the homeland, Ms. Ha expressed.
Mr. Bui Van Luong, in Vo hamlet, who used to work far away and send his children to grandparents, is now assured of working as a worker at Lac Son Toys Company Limited in the commune.
"Each month, I earn 8 - 9 million VND, and my husband and I both have stable jobs. More importantly, we are able to be with our children, no longer separated, Mr. Luong shared.
Not only income, Mr. Luong said that the grassroots trade union at the enterprise often cares about and grasps the thoughts of workers, promptly supporting workers when they are in difficulty.
"With a support, we can rest assured to stay long-term, considering the factory as a second home," Mr. Luong added.
Talking with reporters, Mr. Tran Cong Lam - Chairman of the People's Committee of Dai Dong commune - said that before the merger, this area, including An Nghia, Tan My, Yen Nghiep communes (in Lac Son district, the old Hoa Binh province) used to be a "hot spot" for people leaving their hometowns to work as workers.
On average, each commune has over 1,000 workers working in industrial parks outside the province. However, thanks to the policy of attracting businesses, the appearance has changed fundamentally.
"Currently, the commune has 7 enterprises going into production, 2 other enterprises are completing procedures. Factors producing leather shoes, electronic components, children's toys, etc. have created jobs for more than 3,500 on-site workers. Average income reaches 7 - 9 million VND/person/month, not including overtime. The number of people still having to work far away is currently only over 100 cases, Mr. Lam informed.
Not only solving the problem of employment, the appearance of businesses also contributes to changing the face of rural areas. The roads leading to factories and enterprises have been expanded, shops and services have sprung up, and the spiritual life of the people has also improved compared to before. The once peaceful countryside is now bustling, but still retains the traditional peace.
According to Mr. Tong Duc Chien - Member of the Standing Committee of the Phu Tho Provincial Federation of Labor, this is a clear result of the accompanying policy between the government and the Trade Union organization in attracting investment to the grassroots.
Workers have stable jobs in their hometown, do not have to leave home, both ensuring income and maintaining family and community cohesion. This is a sustainable foundation for rural development in the new period, Mr. Chien emphasized.
