Standing alongside workers

As is customary, May – Workers' Month – is the peak month for organizing activities to care for union members and workers in all aspects. With the theme "Vietnamese Workers Pioneering into a New Era," this year's Workers' Month sees trade unions at all levels in Can Tho City implementing many programs and activities focused on the interests of union members and workers; expressing gratitude for their contributions to the socio-economic development of enterprises and the locality...

Leaders of the Can Tho City Federation of Labor Unions visited the discounted goods stalls at the "Workers' Market" organized by the Trade Union of Can Tho Export Processing Zones and Industrial Parks.

In response to the Workers' Month and the Action Month for Occupational Safety and Health in 2025, the Trade Union of Can Tho Export Processing Zones and Industrial Parks (EPZs & IPs) recently organized a "Workers' Market". The market, lasting five days, featured 11 stalls selling essential products and services at discounted prices, ranging from 30% to 70% or more off market prices, to serve union members and workers. In addition, the "Workers' Market" included two "zero-cost" stalls offering new clothes to union members and workers in difficult circumstances. This meaningful activity attracted a large number of union members and workers to visit and shop.

Choosing a suitable jacket for her daughter at the "0-dong" stall, Ms. Vo Thi Bich Chi, a production worker at Pataya Vietnam Food Industry Co., Ltd., confided: “For many years, my family's finances have been very difficult. My husband suffers from a serious illness and cannot do strenuous work, and my two children had to drop out of school very early to help support the family. I bear all the costs of my husband's treatment and living expenses alone. Recognizing my difficult situation, the company's trade union has supported and facilitated my participation in the "Workers' Market." Here, I received essential goods, 1 million dong in cash, and was able to choose new clothes at the "0-dong" stall. I am very happy and find this program extremely meaningful for workers in difficult circumstances. I hope this program will be maintained in the following years.”

According to Ms. Nguyen Thi Phuong Kieu, President of the Trade Union of Can Tho Export Processing Zones and Industrial Parks, within the framework of the "Workers' Fair," the Trade Union of Can Tho Export Processing Zones and Industrial Parks organized a series of practical activities, such as training on occupational safety and hygiene; cultural exchanges; free haircuts; and giving gifts to workers in difficult circumstances... Through these activities, the union contributes to caring for and helping union members and workers feel secure in their work, and to supporting businesses in developing production and business.

The higher-level trade unions directly above the grassroots level in the city also organized many practical programs and activities in response to Workers' Month, such as organizing meetings and dialogues to share information and understand the thoughts and aspirations of union members and workers; disseminating legal education to workers; inspecting and monitoring the implementation of labor laws, social insurance, health insurance, unemployment insurance, and other policies and regulations for workers in enterprises, along with lively and exciting cultural and sports activities... Notably, the Trade Union Federation of Co Do district organized a sports competition for cadres, workers, and employees, attracting more than 250 athletes from affiliated grassroots trade unions. The Trade Union Federation of Thoi Lai district also recently started the construction of a "Trade Union Shelter" for 5 union members with difficult housing circumstances in the area. Each house, ranging in size from 40-70m2, received 50 million VND in support from the Can Tho City Labor Union's branch of the Golden Heart Charity Fund; the remaining amount was contributed by the family and relatives. As one of the recipients of the "Union Shelter" support, Mr. Bui Van Thai, residing in Truong Tay hamlet, Truong Thanh commune, Thoi Lai district, shared: “My wife and I both work as security guards at Truong Thanh 1 Secondary School, raising two young children. Our old house was dilapidated, but we didn't have the means to renovate it. I am very happy and grateful for the support from the Thoi Lai District Labor Union and the Can Tho City Labor Union.”

According to the leaders of the Can Tho City Labor Union, during the 2025 Workers' Month, a series of meaningful activities were enthusiastically and widely organized by the city's Labor Union and its affiliated unions at all levels. Highlights include: the "Red Day of the Labor Union"; the "Workers' and Employees' Sports Festival"; honoring businesses that support workers and outstanding workers; awarding "Labor Union Shelters"; granting scholarships to children of union members and workers in difficult circumstances; visiting families of workers who have suffered work-related accidents, etc. In addition, the city's Labor Union, in coordination with relevant units and functional agencies, will strengthen inspections and checks on occupational safety and hygiene at enterprises; provide training and practical skills training on occupational safety for workers and employers; expand dialogue, clarify policies, and resolve difficulties and obstacles related to occupational safety and hygiene.

With the goal of "Taking union members and workers as the focus of its activities," depending on the actual conditions, the city's trade union levels are implementing many practical programs and tasks to care for union members and workers; accompanying businesses in building harmonious and progressive labor relations. This contributes to encouraging the competitive spirit of the workforce in the city.

Text and photos: KIEN QUOC

Source: https://baocantho.com.vn/dong-hanh-vi-nguoi-lao-dong-a186694.html