However, there is another very basic need, but often rarely mentioned, which is that workers need to live and work in a safe environment.
In fact, in many localities, especially in places with large concentrations of workers, trade union organizations have signed programs to coordinate with the Police force on ensuring security, order, crime prevention and social evils, bringing many practical results.
The two sides not only coordinate in preventing crime and social evils, ensuring security in industrial parks and high-tech parks, but also regularly exchange information and promptly resolve issues arising in labor relations, difficulties and obstacles of businesses and workers.
That coordination, along with safe boarding house models being built in Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Da Nang... has been and is contributing to creating a safer environment for workers from work to residence.
The value of these models for workers is not only in limiting theft, drugs, black credit, fraud or fire and explosion risks, but also in creating a sense of security about where they live.
That peace of mind is often difficult to measure clearly, but it directly affects each person's decision to stay or leave.
A worker with a stable job, high salary, and good welfare benefits, but having to worry about a motorbike parked under the house every day, worrying about their young children living in a complex area, worrying about the risk of fire or insecurity every time they return late from overtime, it is very difficult to consider the place they are living as a place where they can be attached for a long time.
Conversely, when they leave the factory, they return to a safe residential area, with friendly neighbors, responsible landlords and government and trade unions ready to support when needed, then from temporary accommodation, the rented area can become a part of stable life.
Finally, the construction of safe boarding areas should be seen as part of the human resource development policy of each locality, instead of just a model of maintaining security and order.
The concept of "safety" should also be understood broadly and expanded. A good boarding house is not just a place with few thefts or social evils.
It should also be a place with reasonable rent, transparent electricity and water, clean environment, and guaranteed fire prevention and fighting; a place where workers can easily access information, public services, welfare programs and receive support when facing difficulties.
A safe, decent and sufficient place to live that makes workers want to stick with it for a long time is also a competitive advantage of each locality.
