When the "breastfeeding room" becomes a pillar of support for mothers.
Having worked in healthcare and served as a member of the grassroots trade union executive committee for many years at Truong Giang Seafood Joint Stock Company (Sa Dec Industrial Park, Sa Dec Ward, Dong Thap Province), Ms. Thao understands the pressures faced by female workers who are pregnant and raising young children. They must simultaneously ensure labor productivity, maintain their health during pregnancy, and worry about their young children at home.
Based on that understanding, in May 2025, she advised on the establishment of the "Club for Pregnant Women and Mothers with Young Children" - the first model in Dong Thap for female workers in non-state enterprises.
On a monthly basis, nearly 70 female workers receive consultations from obstetricians and pediatricians at Sa Dec Hospital and Phuong Chau Hospital on pregnancy care, breastfeeding, nutrition, and childcare skills.
Not only were they equipped with knowledge, but the women also had a space to share their concerns on their journey to motherhood. Previously, she played a major role in establishing the Breast Milk Expressing and Storage Room right at the factory.
Every day, 35 to 45 female workers come here to express and store breast milk before returning to the production line. This small room not only preserves the first drops of breast milk for the workers' children but also demonstrates the practical care of the company and the Trade Union for female workers.
Furthermore, over the past five years, Ms. Thao has directly organized 84 health care and food safety awareness classes for more than 7,850 workers; and coordinated support for 1,418 female union members to receive annual gynecological check-ups. These seemingly simple activities have contributed to raising workers' awareness of health protection, ensuring their peace of mind at work, and fostering their commitment to the company.
From lunch breaks to heartwarming breakfasts
If the "breastfeeding room" is where the first drops of milk are preserved for the children of workers, then the union's meal provides the energy to help workers feel secure and committed to the company.
Recognizing that meal quality directly impacts health and productivity, Ms. Thao persistently included the issue of improving canteen meal quality in collective dialogues and negotiations with the company.
That perseverance paid off when, starting in 2024, the value of each meal was increased to 25,000 VND. The menu was also improved with two savory dishes and one vegetarian dish, giving workers more suitable choices.
Not only did she provide meals during shifts, but she also worked with the Trade Union to advise on and implement a breakfast support model at a cost of 15,500 VND per meal. Each month, the company allocates between 235 and 255 million VND to support thousands of workers with a complete breakfast before starting their shifts.
According to many workers, this model is very practical because not everyone has the time or resources to prepare a proper breakfast when they have to start their shifts very early. A hot meal before work not only helps ensure good health but also provides energy for the entire workday.
Ms. Thao, along with the Executive Committee of the grassroots trade union, collaborated with the company's leadership to organize more than 50 "Trade Union Meals - Thanking the Workers," serving over 5,500 union members with meals worth 55,000 VND, plus fruit and yogurt for dessert.
Currently, this model continues to be maintained every Saturday, serving more than 2,000 workers and employees. These warm meals are not only a way to provide material care but also a token of gratitude for the workers who are working alongside the company day and night.
Spread kindness
Ms. To Ngoc Thao's dedication has been recognized with numerous awards. In 2023, she was one of 75 outstanding individuals nationwide invited by the Vietnam General Confederation of Labor to attend the conference summarizing two years of implementing Conclusion No. 01-KL/TW of the Politburo on studying and following the ideology, ethics, and style of Ho Chi Minh.
Three consecutive recognitions for innovative business practices from 2023 to 2025, along with numerous awards and certificates, are testament to her innovative spirit, creativity, and responsibility in her work.
What she cherishes most is her family. For many years, her family has been awarded the title of "Culturally Exemplary Family"; her daughter, Do Nhu Ngoc, has consistently achieved excellent student status for eight consecutive years. Her husband, Do Hieu Nghia, a statistician at the same company, not only excels at his job but also shares household chores. This strong support system has allowed her to dedicate herself wholeheartedly to her work.
Looking back at the period from 2021 to 2026, she and the grassroots trade union successfully recruited 1,839 new members; mobilized 958 million VND and over 52,000 notebooks to award 658 scholarships to children of disadvantaged workers; and raised over 210 million VND to support workers in difficult circumstances and people affected by natural disasters.
These persistent efforts not only contributed to building a humane working environment but also helped her family be recognized by the Vietnam General Confederation of Labor as a "Typical Family of Workers, Public Employees, and Laborers Nationwide" for the period 2021-2026.
Amidst the constantly operating production lines, Ms. To Ngoc Thao quietly keeps the flame of love burning through simple acts. From the "breast milk room" for young mothers to the warm and heartfelt union meals, each initiative conveys a simple message: when workers are cared for in the most practical ways, they gain more confidence and motivation to stay committed to the company and the trade union. This is also the enduring value that she and the grassroots trade union of Truong Giang Seafood Joint Stock Company have been persistently cultivating every day.
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Source: https://congdoanvietnam.vn/cach-lam-hay-tu-co-so/giu-lua-yeu-thuong-tu-phong-sua-den-bua-com-cong-doan-38407.tld
