Warm kitchen and mother's smile
Under the dry golden sun of the days leading up to Binh Ngo Tet 2026, we had the opportunity to join Mr. Tran Cong Thoai - Chairman of the Trade Union of Hamaco Concrete Co., Ltd. - Hau Giang, to return to Mr. Duyen's small house in Dong Phuoc commune (Can Tho City).
In the house that has just been renovated and is spacious, Mr. Duyen is busy with his mother, Mrs. Ly Thi Long, cleaning and tidying up small corners to prepare for the New Year.
Recalling the old Tet seasons, Mrs. Long could not help but feel sad: "In the old days, the house was rotten, the kitchen was degraded to the point of not being able to cook. Tet comes and looking at the house like that, I have no mind to clean up. If the house is not intact, where can I find a place to arrange it to welcome spring.
The elderly mother confided that although she feels sorry for her child's hardship, because of her old age and weakness, she only knows how to stay home to cook and take care of her daughter who is mentally ill and her younger grandchild who has intellectual disabilities.
But this year, everything is different. Looking at the clean kitchen, where pots of spices and bags of cakes and jams are placed neatly, Mrs. Long emotionally said: "This year, thanks to the Trade Union's support in repairing the house, my grandchildren and I can sleep soundly, no longer worrying about storms and floods. Celebrating Tet in the new house is very special, I personally clean the altar, prepare cakes and jams... although simple, it is extremely cozy.
Her eyes stopped at her nearly 40-year-old son who had not yet thought about his own happiness because he was worried about his family. For her, this home is not only a shelter from rain and sun but also a place for her son to start thinking about his future.
Settling down and starting a career from the understanding of the Trade Union
For Mr. Duyen, 2026 marks the milestone of the first time he truly celebrates Tet in the true sense. "Now, on rainy and stormy days going to work, I am also more reassured because I know that my mother, sister and grandchild have safe accommodation. After work, I have a proper place to rest, my spirit is comfortable so that I can continue to strive tomorrow" - Mr. Duyen confided.
Moreover, the Tet atmosphere has truly touched the small house thanks to practical gifts, full of affection from the Trade Union and the company. Packaged gift bags with cooking oil, sugar, laundry detergent, cakes, jams... have made the kitchen warm and full. Receiving that thoughtful care, Mr. Duyen promised himself to take care of his health and work well to contribute to the overall development of the unit. For him, that is the most sincere thank you sent to the Trade Union and the company.
Mr. Tran Cong Thoai - Chairman of the Trade Union of Hamaco Concrete Co., Ltd. - Hau Giang - affirmed: "The Trade Union Home program is truly deeply humane. When union members have a proper place to live, they can "get lost in their careers", feel secure and stick with the business for a long time. That is also a stable source of labor that the company always cherishes.
Support for Mr. Duyen is just one of the many meaningful activities of the Can Tho City Trade Union. Looking back at 2025, in the context of many challenges, the city's trade union levels still strive to care for, build new and repair 24 Trade Union Solidarity Houses, awarding more than 102,000 gifts with a total budget of over 37 billion VND to union members and workers.
