Besides helping union members and workers secure stable housing, the program also clearly demonstrates the role and responsibility of the Trade Union organization in social welfare work, accompanying the sustainable development of the Capital city.
A consistent policy, implemented systematically.
Recognizing that caring for the material and spiritual well-being of union members and workers is a central and continuous task, the Hanoi City Federation of Labor Unions issued a plan to implement the "Trade Union Shelter" Program from the beginning of 2025, in conjunction with the implementation of the Resolutions of the Trade Union Congresses at all levels for the 2023-2028 term. The implementation is directed synchronously from the city level to the grassroots, ensuring transparency, accountability, and the correct target groups and objectives.
Accordingly, grassroots trade unions proactively review and assess the actual housing conditions of their members, especially low-income workers, those in difficult circumstances, families receiving preferential treatment, and workers affected by work accidents or occupational diseases. Based on proposals from the grassroots level, the Labor Federations of the former districts, counties, and towns, and the relevant sectors of Hanoi city, conduct assessments, compile reports, and submit them to the competent authorities for support decisions.
The systematic and rigorous approach has contributed to making the "Trade Union Shelter" Program more substantive, avoiding formality, and ensuring that every source of funding is used effectively.
Each year, the City Federation of Labor Unions supports 30 to 35 "Trade Union Shelters" for union members facing housing difficulties. Of this, 30 million VND is allocated for repairing existing "Trade Union Shelters," and 40 million VND is allocated for constructing new ones. This has contributed to realizing the dream of owning a home for many union members.
Notably, in addition to the stipulated support, many grassroots trade unions have flexibly mobilized additional resources, providing labor and construction materials, thereby helping union members' families reduce costs and complete their homes sooner. This approach not only brings economic benefits but also creates cohesion and spreads the spirit of sharing within the working community.
Providing practical care builds lasting trust.
Practical implementation has shown that each house marked "Trade Union Shelter" is not only a place to shelter from the rain and sun, but also a source of moral support, helping union members feel secure in their work, committed to their businesses and the capital city. Having stable housing helps workers reduce worries, thereby allowing them to focus more on their work, improving productivity and labor quality. The program's implementation is always linked to the requirements of transparency and accountability, ensuring that the support reaches the intended beneficiaries, while also strengthening supervision to ensure that resources are used effectively and for the right purpose.
As one of the union members receiving support for the construction of a Union-sponsored house in 2025, Ms. Nguyen Thi Lan, a worker at a garment factory in the city, said that for many years, her family had lived in a dilapidated house, living in constant fear every rainy season. “Thanks to the care and support of the Union, my mother and I now have a new, sturdy house. This is a great joy, helping me to work with peace of mind and have a stable life in the long term,” Ms. Lan shared.
Another case is that of the family of union member Nguyen Thi Ngoc (Xuan Mai Urban Environment Company Limited), who is in very difficult circumstances. The combined income of the couple is often insufficient to cover their family's living expenses and raise their two young children who are of school age.
Previously, her family lived in a severely dilapidated house that frequently flooded whenever it rained. She and her husband always longed to build a new, spacious, and sturdy house to live in, but their financial situation didn't allow it. Understanding the circumstances and wishes of the union member, the Trade Union of Xuan Mai Urban Environment Company Limited proposed to the higher-level Trade Union to provide financial support for the family of union member Nguyen Thi Ngoc to build a "Trade Union Shelter." Accordingly, the Hanoi City Federation of Labor decided to provide 40 million VND to support the construction of a "Trade Union Shelter" for union member Nguyen Thi Ngoc.
With the support of the Hanoi City Federation of Labor, along with assistance from family, relatives, and the company, Ms. Nguyen Thi Ngoc's family decided to build a new house. The construction has now been completed, meeting design, quality, and technical standards, and the house is now in use.
Also among those with difficult housing circumstances, receiving financial support from the Hanoi Trade Union to repair their "Trade Union Shelter," Ms. Nguyen Thi Nam, a teacher at Hoang Dieu Kindergarten, said that her family was also in difficult circumstances. Her husband suffered from a serious illness and passed away at the end of 2024, and her young child is still in school.
After the Hanoi City Federation of Labor Unions inspected and surveyed the situation, they decided to provide financial support for the renovation of the family's house. By the end of March 2025, the new, more spacious and brighter house was completed with a total renovation cost of nearly 115 million VND.
Of that amount, the City Federation of Labor Unions contributed 30 million VND, the former Chuong My District Federation of Labor Unions contributed 10 million VND, the Hoang Dieu Kindergarten Union contributed 2 million VND, the collective of cadres, teachers, staff, and union members of Hoang Dieu Kindergarten contributed 7 million VND, and the remaining amount was borrowed from family members and the family's savings.
Not only Ms. Lan, Ms. Ngoc, and Ms. Nam, but many other union members who received support from the Union's Shelter program shared the same feeling: the new house not only improved their living conditions but also served as a great source of encouragement, motivating them to work hard and remain committed to the enterprise and the Trade Union organization.
According to Nguyen Huy Khanh, Vice Chairman of the Hanoi City Federation of Labor, the "Trade Union Shelter" program has made a significant contribution to stabilizing the lives and psychology of workers, thereby building harmonious and stable labor relations in enterprises. When the legitimate and essential rights of workers are taken care of, the sharing and consensus between workers and employers are increasingly strengthened.
Many businesses in Hanoi are also actively participating in the program, considering it part of their corporate social responsibility. Businesses joining hands with trade unions to provide housing for workers not only helps retain employees but also creates a stable and sustainable working environment.
Despite the achievements, the implementation of the "Trade Union Shelter" Program in Hanoi still faces many difficulties. The need for housing support among union members remains high, while the Trade Union Shelter Fund is limited; the rising cost of construction materials is increasing the cost of building and repairing houses, affecting the actual level of support provided.
In response to practical needs, the Hanoi City Federation of Labor Unions has determined that it will continue to promote propaganda and social mobilization efforts to raise more resources for the Trade Union Housing Fund; while also effectively utilizing the funds and prioritizing support for cases that are truly in need of housing and have urgent housing requirements.
In addition, trade union levels will strengthen inspection and supervision of the implementation process, ensuring that support is provided to the right beneficiaries, in a transparent and open manner; and promptly commend collectives and individuals with good and creative approaches in caring for the lives of workers.
With its systematic approach, the synchronized involvement of the entire trade union system, and the joint efforts of businesses and society, the "Trade Union Shelter" program continues to affirm its position as a bright spot in social welfare work in the capital city, contributing to the realization of the goal of better caring for the lives of workers, civil servants, and laborers, building a sustainable and humane Hanoi, and making a positive contribution to sustainable poverty reduction.
Source: https://hanoimoi.vn/mai-am-cong-doan-diem-tua-an-sinh-cho-nguoi-lao-dong-thu-do-726707.html
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