Hands-on as workers
At the end of 2023, a reporter from Lao Dong Newspaper received many sources from workers in Bac Thang Long Industrial Park, Dong Anh District (old), Hanoi. According to the reflection, many social housing blocks that were built with the budget to serve workers in industrial parks were not allocated to the right targets. Notably, many workers who want to rent a house have to " hands-on" tens of millions of VND to people involved in the approval process, specifically officers of the Social Housing Development and Management Enterprise, under Hanoi Housing Development and Management Company Limited.
To get to the truth, we submitted documents and applied to work as workers at a factory in an industrial park. After nearly a month of living and working with workers, integrating into the lives of eating, living, and living together, every detail about "running around" social housing rental has gradually been revealed. There are workers who, even if they work on the prescribed time and have confirmation from the company, will not be considered for rental if they do not "grease". Meanwhile, many people are not a priority but thanks to relationships, money is easily arranged for accommodation.
The investigation paper was published immediately after that, creating a buzz, forcing the authorities to intervene. For related officials whose responsibilities are being considered, the approval system must review the entire social housing allocation process. Once again, the press has become a sharp propaganda tool, protecting the legitimate rights of workers and laborers.
Voice from the scene
A noteworthy point in the investigative articles of Lao Dong Newspaper is that reporters are always present at the scene, standing side by side with workers in the most difficult moments.
The incident at Tan An Industrial Cluster (Dak Lak) caused hundreds of workers of H&L Company to simultaneously go on strike, hanging banners in front of the factory gate because of long-term unpaid wages. The incident caused panic among local public opinion, and the risk of spreading false information on social networks was very high. At that time, Lao Dong Newspaper reporters took action to honestly reflect the situation.
After only a few hours, reporters arrived at the scene, meeting many workers, businesses, and local authorities to investigate the incident from many sides. Thanks to the accurate and objective information posted, the government has a plan to support the transfer of workers to other factories, ensuring that Tet is not too difficult. The press has become a bridge between workers, the government and businesses, an irreplaceable role in the context of a crisis of trust.
In the journey to find the truth, the investigative reporter of Lao Dong Newspaper not only traces violations but also depicts the portraits of poor workers and laborers in an emotional way.
"What workers eat, how workers rent, how workers work overtime to the desire to increase salaries and subsidies are also reflected by reporters of the Newspaper through videos. Thereby, many people will better understand the life of a worker, our thoughts and aspirations will also be expressed to the Trade Union and State organizations to have solutions for a better life", said young female worker Doan Thi Thao (born in 1995, from Tuyen Quang).
Although young, Ms. Thao commented that Lao Dong Newspaper has constantly innovated in the context of digitalization. The female worker believes that the Newspaper is always a pioneer, taking the lead in applying technology to press works, being the number 1 newspaper to protect the legitimate rights of workers.
In recent years, the series of articles investigating social insurance debts, eating less shift meals, or forcing workers to work without contracts... by Lao Dong Newspaper have all left a clear mark. Many business owners have been administratively or even criminally prosecuted. Many old and overlapping policies have been replaced by new documents that are more humane and practical.
Mr. Nguyen Van Hau, a worker in an industrial park in Hai Duong, once shared: Thanks to reading Lao Dong Newspaper, I understand well the benefits of social insurance, health insurance and how to file a complaint when my salary is unreasonably deducted. There is a newspaper, there is a place to believe".
Writing to change
Making a report about workers is a special journey, especially in the category of reflection and investigation. It is the process of penetrating, waiting, living with the characters, listening to them tell them with tears and silence for fear of losing their jobs. Sometimes, reporters have to transform into workers, security guards, even job seekers... to sneak into places that only the people involved can understand.
Each series of articles published is a testament to the silent sacrifice, when journalists choose to stand on the side of workers and laborers.
With constant innovation in its presentation form, from paper newspapers to electronic newspapers, videos, e-magazine, Lao Dong Newspaper continues to promote its strengths in investigative reflection, both contributing to policy supervision and being an honest, timely and humane voice for millions of workers across the country.
