As reported by Lao Dong Newspaper, on May 5, the People's Committee of Yen Bai province fined MERIDA Vietnam Wood Industry Company Limited (in Pia Nam Industrial Park, Phu Thinh Commune, Yen Binh District) VND320 million for operating without an environmental license.
Along with the administrative penalty, the Provincial People's Committee suspended the company's flooring plank factory for 4.5 months. Time from May 5, 2025.
However, since then, MERIDA Wood Industry Company Limited has ignored the direction of the Provincial People's Committee, operating calmly, despite the ban.
In early June, present at the factory of this enterprise in the Southern Industrial Park, reporters recorded that all activities were still taking place normally.
Number of workers, cars, and motorbikes that regularly enter and exit. In the factory area, black smoke rose to the top, the sound of machinery, equipment, and incinerators ran at full capacity all day.
Talking to reporters, a worker at this factory said that the company has been operating for many months now, and no one has been informed about the company's suspension.
According to the male worker, at the factory, workers work every day from 7am to 6pm, often until 7pm but are not paid overtime and other allowances.
Some workers who have quit their jobs at this enterprise have reported - MERIDA Wood Industry Company Limited, in addition to often forcing workers to work overtime, also has their salaries cut and delayed, causing many people to quit their jobs.
Regarding this issue, Ms. Dinh Thi Hong Lan - Chairwoman of the Trade Union of Industrial Parks of Yen Bai province said that the trade union of MERIDA Wood Industry Company Limited was established in April 2024, with nearly 100 union members.
"The Trade Union of Industrial Parks in Yen Bai province will review and discuss with the company to ensure the legitimate rights of workers," Ms. Lan added.
Meanwhile, receiving a report from Lao Dong Newspaper, Mr. Trinh Huynh Yen - Head of the Management Board of Industrial Parks of Yen Bai province said - MERIDA Wood Industry Company is a foreign enterprise operating in the Southern Industrial Park.
"The company must comply with the provisions of the law and strictly comply with the decision. We will direct specialized departments and offices to inspect and work with this company next week. If violations continue, the Board will report to the Provincial People's Committee for handling," Mr. Trinh Huynh Yen added.
On June 9, the reporter contacted MERIDA Wood Industry Company for objective information.
The representative of the company's human resource management department affirmed: "The enterprise was not punished and suspended, so it is still operating".
Regarding other contents, the company said it would respond to the press later.
