Apartment of less than 10m2, 4 people living together
After 10 years of renting and working in Da Nang city, Ms. Nguyen Thi Thao (La Non Kindergarten, Lien Chieu ward, Da Nang city), along with 3 family members, still has to struggle to manage life in a rented room of less than 10m2.
The room is small, so 4 people have to share space, the couple is downstairs, the two young children sleep on the mezzanine, just enough space for living" - Ms. Thao shared.
Not only cramped in terms of accommodation, Ms. Thao's family also has to calculate each expense to take care of her two children who are in 7th and 4th grade. Her husband works as a freelancer, with unstable income, making living expenses even more pressure.
Each month, the tuition fee for both children alone is about 4 million VND, not including food, electricity, water and other living expenses. Both husband and wife have to spend at a moderate level, worrying about the immediate future, not having extra money to save for their children later" - Ms. Thao recounted.
Another situation is Ms. Pham Thi Lam, 40 years old, from Nghe An, a worker who has been attached to Daiwa Vietnam Co., Ltd. (Da Nang) for 16 years. Ms. Lam's family is currently living in a social housing in Lien Chieu ward, Da Nang city. Although both husband and wife have regular monthly income, their salary is not enough to cover their children's education and daily living expenses.
Both husband and wife go to work, but the salary has to be taken care of for children and living expenses, so it is not abundant. Called in the city, but every month, the family in the countryside has to send more rice and food to help, thanks to that, my husband and I have somewhat alleviated the difficulties" - Ms. Lam said.
More support from the Trade Union organization
Understanding the pressures that workers are facing, in the past time, Da Nang City Trade Union levels have implemented care activities in a more practical direction, from supporting life to creating a space for exchange and connection. Most recently, Lien Chieu Ward Trade Union organized the program "Workers' Rendezvous - Connecting for Development" in 2026, aimed at union members and workers in difficult circumstances.
Also at the program, more than 100 gifts, each worth 500,000 VND, including cash and gifts, were given to union members and workers in difficult circumstances in the ward. In addition, 3 students who are children of union members and workers with achievements in overcoming difficulties and studying well were also awarded scholarships, each worth 1 million VND and a notebook.
After a week of work, participating in the program with colleagues on weekends, I feel happier and more comfortable, and also less stressed. Not only am I able to socialize and have fun, but I also have gifts to bring home. The money and gifts received, I will buy more rice, food and household necessities that are lacking" - Ms. Nguyen Thi Thao said happily.
The highlight of the program is the pilot launch of the model "Workers' Rest Stop - Accompanying Workers". Mr. Le Trong Nguyen - Chairman of Lien Chieu Ward Trade Union (Da Nang City) - said that the model "Workers' Rest Stop - Accompanying Workers" is being implemented with many practical utilities, to support union members and workers in the process of working and living.
The model arranges rest areas, free drinking water, first aid medicine cabinets, phone charging stations, wifi and fans; and at the same time provides bookshelves, newspapers, legal documents and advice on legal issues, social insurance, health insurance, employment. When necessary, workers are also provided with raincoats, drinking water and can scan QR codes to reflect, propose or access the services of the Trade Union organization.
“Through new models and a series of cultural exchange activities, legal understanding, we expect to bring the Trade Union organization closer to workers. Thereby, creating a healthy cultural living space, spreading the image of trade unions always accompanying and protecting the legitimate rights of workers in industrial parks and boarding houses” - Mr. Le Trong Nguyen said.
