The bicycles that make a living at the docks.

Amidst the sun and wind at the Rach Gia - Phu Quoc ferry terminal, hundreds of motorbike taxi drivers still earn their living every day. After each ride, stories of working life and the bonds within their union unfold.

The Rach Gia - Phu Quoc ferry terminal offers little shade. Motorcycle taxi drivers have to endure the scorching sun. The sea breeze carries salt, darkening their faces. Every day, hundreds of drivers depend entirely on the ferry schedule. Some days they wake up at 4 or 5 in the morning to catch the early ferry, but other times they wait endlessly in the pouring rain when the ferry is delayed due to rough seas. Having earned a living here for over 20 years, Mr. Bui Van Dung said: “Behind each trip, costing a few tens of thousands of dong, is the tuition for our children, the medicine for our elderly parents, and the simple meals for our family.” Some days there are so many passengers we can't even rest, but other days we sit and watch the stream of people go by.”

Mr. Nguyen Bao Loc (center) and union members. Photo: MOC TRA

Having earned a living as a motorbike taxi driver for a decade, Mr. Vo Van Thao optimistically said: "This job requires accepting the harsh weather, whether it's scorching sun or torrential rain. My income is slightly higher on cooler days. Since this morning, I've completed eight rides around the area, so I'm trying to find more customers before taking a lunch break."

To date, the Rach Gia - Phu Quoc Passenger Motorbike Taxi Union has 119 members, mainly working as motorbike taxi drivers in the port area, meeting the increasing transportation needs of locals and tourists. When freelance workers join unions, they truly enter a solid community, receiving support and protection from their colleagues.

However, the union's operations also face significant competition from other modes of transport such as taxis and ride-hailing services, requiring the union to continuously improve service quality, build a professional image, and maintain its reputation to attract customers. Mr. Nguyen Bao Loc, Chairman of the Rach Gia - Phu Quoc Passenger Motorbike Union, said: “The union helps to bring order to the motorbike taxi drivers' operations, creating conditions for members to socialize, support each other, and understand each other, avoiding competition for customers. Upon joining the union, members are protected and enjoy many benefits from the care and protection of their legitimate rights and interests.”

During their work, union members also participate in crime prevention by observing suspicious individuals and promptly providing information to law enforcement, contributing to ensuring security and order in the locality. Ms. Le Thi Chang, Vice President of the Rach Gia Ward Trade Union, commented: “Over the past time, the Rach Gia - Phu Quoc Passenger Motorcycle Union has always coordinated with the ward's Trade Union in monitoring the situation, supporting members when they encounter difficulties, and encouraging members to maintain a positive image in the eyes of tourists.”

Previously, somewhere outside the grand gates of the ferry terminals and waiting areas, amidst the bustling traffic and narrow alleyways, many people were quietly eking out a living. They worked without time cards, without benefits, and with no one to protect them but themselves. Now, 27 union members who have suffered illness or accidents have received support and care after joining the union. Mr. Thao further shared: "Before, a friend introduced me to the union. Initially, I was hesitant, afraid of being asked about my background, afraid of paying fees, but after joining, I understood that it is a truly caring community."

Sitting together, union members shared their new uniforms, raincoats, and other essentials for rainy and stormy days. Their cheerful laughter and friendly conversation showed that the union's vitality and unity had been built over time, enhancing its role in representing and supporting its members. Mr. Bui Van Dung said: “We strive to improve the quality of service for passengers, build an image of ‘civilized, courteous, and safe motorbike taxis,’ adapt well to competition, maintain our reputation and customer base to improve our livelihoods.”

Currently, the Rach Gia - Phu Quoc Passenger Motorcycle Union is guaranteeing loans totaling nearly 300 million VND for 18 of its members.

MOC TRA

Source: https://baoangiang.com.vn/nhung-vong-xe-muu-sinh-noi-ben-tau-a485136.html