Determined to create a smoke-free working environment

Sharing about the work of preventing the harmful effects of tobacco, Mr. Vu Manh Tiem, member of the Advisory Board of the Fund for Prevention of the Harmful Effects of Tobacco of the Vietnam General Confederation of Labor (VGCL), said: Propagating the prevention of the harmful effects of tobacco is still a "war", when the rate of male smokers is still at 40%. We need to be more determined and promote it further.

The trade union system identifies propaganda as the top priority. Innovate to make propaganda more effective. Communication products need to be innovated to make it easier for union members and workers to access. Put information on platforms such as Facebook, Youtube... with directions for trade unions at all levels to implement this well. Communication products need to be more diverse, concise and easier to understand.

It is necessary to provide systematic guidance to implement a smoke-free working environment. In addition, organize online competitions for union members and workers to participate, give opinions and suggestions on what content to build the most effective smoke-free environment.

Evaluate good models to replicate and spread them to other industries and localities. Focus on innovating communication, taking advantage of digital technology to spread information. Provide workers with knowledge to protect their health and understand the harmful effects of tobacco.

In the coming time, the union will focus on propaganda and prevention of the harmful effects of new tobacco products to workers and laborers.

Building a "smoke-free" working environment

Currently, the country has about 130,000 grassroots trade unions, creating favorable conditions for implementing the "Smoke-free Workplace" model. Trade unions will step up the organization of systematic training courses, guiding cadres to implement a smoke-free working environment in practice.

At the same time, online competitions for union members and workers will be held, encouraging them to propose ideas for building a healthy working environment.

Successful models of smoke-free workplaces and schools will be evaluated and replicated nationwide by the Vietnam General Confederation of Labor. This is an important step to ensure the right of all workers to live and work in a smoke-free environment.

Trade unions at all levels will use digital technology to disseminate information and raise awareness among union members about the harmful effects of tobacco, especially new products such as e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products. The National Assembly has agreed to ban the production, trade and use of these products from 2025, creating a strong legal basis to protect public health.

According to Mr. Tiem, to implement a smoke-free working environment, the Vietnam General Confederation of Labor will evaluate the propaganda work; the determination of the union and workers through commitments; and implement activities at agencies and units such as no-smoking signs to make union members and workers aware.

Implement integration with emulation, include in the penalty regulations for violations of smoking in the workplace.

Replicate good models with appropriate rewards; criticize units that do not implement or do it perfunctorily. Trade unions at all levels will increase inspections to rectify the construction of a smoke-free working environment.