Trade unions stand alongside female workers.

Comprising more than half of the workforce, female workers, civil servants, and laborers in Hai Phong are increasingly asserting their important role in socio-economic development.

Female workers receive special attention in businesses.

Creating "special privileges" for female workers

In Hai Phong's industrial zones, where a large number of female migrant workers are concentrated, a lack of knowledge about reproductive and sexual health care was once a common problem. Many women were hesitant to seek medical attention, paid little attention to regular check-ups, and only went to healthcare facilities when their symptoms were already apparent.

However, since the health and wellness programs implemented by the Trade Union and its affiliated units have been intensified, the awareness of female workers has significantly improved. Ms. Nguyen Thi Hang, a worker at the VSIP industrial park, shared: “Previously, I thought reproductive health awareness sessions were unnecessary and often refused to participate. But after being encouraged by the Trade Union officials, I participated and found it very beneficial. Now, I not only attend regularly but also remind my friends to go.”

According to statistics, through coordinated programs, thousands of female workers have gained access to healthcare knowledge; many have received free gynecological examinations and cancer screenings, something previously inaccessible to low-income workers.

Currently, trade unions are playing a crucial role as a bridge between workers and businesses, ensuring that the voices of female workers are heard and their issues are addressed promptly.

At LG Display Vietnam Hai Phong Co., Ltd., which has a high percentage of female employees, policies specifically for female workers are detailed in the collective labor agreement. Ms. Hoang Hanh, a worker at the company, shared: “I have worked here for over 7 years and have gone through pregnancy and raising young children. The company has many humane policies such as nutritional support, provision of breastfeeding rooms, and paid leave. Thanks to this, I feel secure in my work and have a long-term commitment.”

LG Display is not alone; many other businesses are also implementing practical models such as providing financial support for raising young children, allowing employees to arrive late or leave early, maintaining hotlines to support female workers, and creating spaces for sharing knowledge about gender equality.

At a dialogue meeting between the Board of Directors and the Trade Union of Horn Vietnam Co., Ltd. (An Duong Industrial Park) at the end of April 2025, representatives of the grassroots trade union proposed five issues related to the rights of female workers. Of these, four were agreed upon and implemented by the company, including renewing labor contracts with female workers who are pregnant, on maternity leave, or raising children under 12 months old, even if their old contracts have expired. Female workers on maternity leave will still receive their full attendance bonus of 760,000 VND/person/month. Workers raising children under 12 months old will receive a 70-minute break per day during working hours with full pay. These proposals were updated in the collective labor agreement, ensuring the fulfillment of commitments between the trade union and the company.

These policies not only contribute to protecting health but also create "privileges" for female workers, giving them more motivation to develop their abilities and improve labor productivity.

Discussing this issue, Ms. Nguyen Thi Lan Anh, Vice President of the Hai Phong City Federation of Labor, said: “Currently, the entire city has more than 600,000 union members, of which female workers account for over 50%. This is a very large force, therefore, caring for and protecting the rights of female workers is always identified as a key task of the Trade Union organization.”

According to Vice President of the Vietnam General Confederation of Labor Nguyen Thi Lan Anh, trade unions at all levels have intensified workplace dialogue, through which many recommendations related to female workers have been accepted and adjusted by businesses. As a result, many businesses have added more favorable clauses for female workers to collective labor agreements, such as increasing maternity leave, providing support during menstruation, and ensuring the rights of pregnant female workers – all practical changes.

Female workers constitute a large proportion of the total workforce. They need more attention from businesses and trade unions at all levels.

Improving spiritual well-being

Alongside protecting workers' rights, trade unions at all levels also focus on caring for the spiritual well-being of female workers through various activities. Programs such as "Thank You to the Workers," "Ao Dai Week," cooking competitions, cultural and sports activities, etc., attract a large number of female workers, creating a joyful and cohesive atmosphere within the trade union and the enterprise. In addition, care for the children of workers is also given attention with thousands of gifts, scholarships, and summer camp programs, contributing to helping workers feel secure in their jobs.

Mr. Pham Dinh Hoa, Chairman of the Trade Union of Tinh Loi Garment Co., Ltd. (Lai Vu Industrial Park), said: “Previously, many female workers lived quite withdrawn lives, with little social interaction. But after participating in activities organized by the company's Trade Union, they have become more open, enthusiastic, and confident, knowing how to take care of themselves and build better families.”

From small outreach sessions in dormitories and dialogues within businesses to specific policies in collective bargaining agreements, all are creating an increasingly comprehensive ecosystem for the well-being of female workers. The support of trade unions not only protects their rights but also provides moral encouragement, helping hundreds of thousands of female workers become more confident and secure in their work and lives.

In the city's development journey, these "pillars" are contributing to building an increasingly strong workforce of women who are not only skilled in their work but also capable in managing their households, making a sustained contribution to sustainable development.

Despite achieving many positive results, the work of caring for female workers still faces some difficulties. Some exemplary models have not been widely replicated. In light of this, the Hai Phong City Federation of Labor Unions has determined to continue improving the effectiveness of the Women's Affairs Committee, strengthening skills training for staff, and promoting communication about policies and laws related to female workers. At the same time, it will expand reproductive health care programs, pre-marital counseling, and strengthen dialogue and negotiation to obtain more policies beneficial to female workers.

Emphasizing future directions, Vice President of the Hai Phong City Federation of Labor Unions Nguyen Thi Lan Anh stated: “We will continue to cooperate with businesses and relevant units to build a safe and equal working environment. The goal is for female workers to not only feel secure in their jobs but also to develop comprehensively.”

MINH NGUYEN

Source: https://baohaiphong.vn/cong-doan-dong-hanh-lao-dong-nu-539493.html