Labor shortage
Walking along industrial parks in the Mekong Delta region, it is not difficult to encounter signs recruiting unskilled workers for seafood processing. Most companies and businesses need to recruit dozens to hundreds of workers with full benefits, dedicated bonuses, and other support. However, according to research, the number of applications submitted does not meet the demand.
Mr. Ngo Chi Trung (working at the human resources department of a seafood processing company, located in An Nghiep Industrial Park) - commented that, unlike previous years when dozens of local workers came to find jobs every day, now, young workers seem to be turning their backs on the industry.
Meanwhile, Indian Ocean Co., Ltd. (specializing in processing and preserving seafood and seafood products, located in Thot Not Industrial Park, Can Tho City) - informed that since after the Lunar New Year, it has announced the recruitment of a large number of workers with income ranging from 7-15 million VND/month depending on position and productivity, but the number is still not enough. Currently, the factory continues to recruit a variety of workers from general labor to college and university degrees for positions such as fillet, shaping, seasonal labor, and some technical and QC positions.
Despite having abundant labor resources, the Mekong Delta region is currently facing a situation of labor shifting to other industries.
Workers' thoughts
According to feedback from workers, the main reason why they are afraid of seafood processing is due to the specific nature of the working environment and income. This industry requires workers to work continuously in a cold environment (usually below 15 degrees Celsius, even lower in the freezing stages) to ensure product quality.
Mr. Tran Be Dam (former seafood processing worker in Dong Thap) confided: "Having to stand continuously every day on the damp floor, directly exposed to cold air is a physical challenge. For a long time, we have symptoms of bones and joints such as pain in limbs, respiratory diseases such as sinusitis, bronchitis.
On the other hand, young workers today have a psychology of hesitation because they are haunted by the characteristic fishy smell of shrimp and fish: "After finishing work, I just want to go home to shower and rest, I can't interact with friends, I'm very afraid of the smell!" - Mr. Le Phuong Tung (Can Tho City) expressed.
Some opinions suggest that the development of the digital economy and free services (such as delivery) has created competition for the seafood processing industry. Assessment from businesses, this shift is creating a large human resource gap.
In addition to solutions to promote automation, improve the working environment, and invest in sustainable welfare such as policies on social housing and kindergartens for workers' children..." - Mr. Tung proposed.
