The joy of "settling down" from the compassionate homes provided by the Trade Union of Chuong My.

In the journey of developing the capital city towards a civilized, modern, and humane direction, caring for the lives of workers, especially those in difficult circumstances, has always been identified by all levels of trade unions as a central and continuous task.

In Chuong My ward ( Hanoi ) - a disadvantaged area of ​​Hanoi city - the ward's Labor Union has been implementing many practical and effective solutions, most notably the "Trade Union Shelter" program, contributing to helping union members stabilize their lives, feel secure in their work, and remain committed to their agencies and units in the long term, while also contributing to the community's efforts in effectively implementing sustainable poverty reduction.

From concerns about housing for workers

Presenting gifts and financial support for the construction of a "Trade Union Shelter" to Ms. Cao Thi Hung. Photo: Minh Khue.

A survey conducted by Chuong My ward revealed that, while the majority of officials, civil servants, and workers have relatively stable lives, many union members in Chuong My ward are still facing persistent difficulties. These include low-income families, single-parent households, families with serious illnesses, or those raising young children in dilapidated and substandard housing.

Particularly in low-lying areas and remote regions, dilapidated, cramped housing, frequently affected by floods, still persists among a segment of the workforce. With low wages, saving up to build new homes or repair existing ones is difficult, even beyond the means of many families. It is precisely because of these concerns that the "Trade Union Shelter" program has become a solid support system, carrying profound humanitarian significance for disadvantaged union members.

The Trade Union Federation of Chuong My Ward proactively coordinated with the Hanoi City Trade Union Federation and grassroots trade unions to thoroughly review and identify each union member with particularly difficult housing circumstances in order to propose timely and targeted support. The review process was conducted openly and transparently, ensuring fairness and fostering consensus among union members and workers.

Accordingly, union members who receive support to build new "Union-sponsored homes" will receive 40 million VND (30 million VND from the City Federation of Labor and 10 million VND from the Chuong My Ward Federation of Labor). Those who need to repair their homes will receive a total of 30 million VND. Although this is not a huge amount compared to current construction costs, this support serves as a "lever," helping workers mobilize resources from family, relatives, and society to complete their dream home.

In 2025, the Chuong My District Labor Union supported three union members with particularly difficult housing situations, including one case of new house construction and two cases of house repairs. Each completed house represents a touching story of resilience and the timely support and sharing from the Labor Union organization.

"Trade Union Shelter" – a shining example in welfare work.

One of the typical cases receiving support is Ms. Nguyen Thi Binh, a member of the Trade Union at Phung Chau Primary School. As a single mother raising two young children alone, Ms. Binh had lived for many years in a cramped, severely dilapidated house located in a low-lying area, frequently flooded during heavy rains. Her income as a primary school teacher, coupled with the burden of raising children, prevented her from even considering house repairs.

Understanding her situation, the Trade Union of Phung Chau Primary School promptly proposed to the Trade Union Federation of Chuong My Ward and the Hanoi City Trade Union Federation to provide financial support for repairing the "Trade Union's Shelter". Thanks to support from trade unions at all levels, along with the joint efforts of colleagues and family, Ms. Binh's house has been renovated to be spacious, clean, and safe for living.

On the day they moved into their new home, joy shone in the eyes of the young mother and her children. "Having a sturdy house makes me feel much more secure, especially during the rainy season. This is a great motivation for me to continue striving in my work and taking care of my children," Ms. Binh shared emotionally.

Equally moving is the story of Ms. Nguyen Thi Nam, a teacher at Hoang Dieu Kindergarten. At the end of 2024, her husband passed away from a serious illness, leaving her and her young child in their dilapidated old house. Losing the family's breadwinner, the burden of providing for the family and maintaining the home fell heavily on the shoulders of this woman accustomed to caring for young children.

After conducting an on-site survey, the Chuong My District Labor Union and the Hanoi City Labor Union decided to support Ms. Nam in repairing her house. By the end of March 2025, her new, more spacious and brighter house was completed with a total construction and renovation cost of nearly 115 million VND.

Of that amount, the City Labor Union contributed 30 million VND, the Chuong My Labor Union contributed 10 million VND, the Hoang Dieu Kindergarten Labor Union contributed 2 million VND, the collective of 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.

Thanks to contributions from trade unions at all levels, grassroots trade unions, and family, the new house was completed in early 2025. This spacious home not only helps the mother and daughter stabilize their lives but also serves as a great source of encouragement, giving her more confidence to continue her career.

It's not just about material support.

What is readily apparent from the "Trade Union Shelter" program in Chuong My is that the care goes beyond material resources. The program's implementation has always been linked to the concern, encouragement, and close support of the Trade Union organization, from the initial survey and construction to the handover of the houses.

Many grassroots trade unions have proactively mobilized union members and colleagues to provide labor, construction materials, and household items to help union members' families stabilize their lives as soon as possible. This sharing has created a strong bond between union members and the trade union organization, and between workers and their agencies and units.

From the "Trade Union Shelters" that have been built, the role of the Trade Union organization in caring for and protecting the legitimate rights and interests of workers is clearly evident. With the motto "wherever there are workers, there is a Trade Union," the Chuong My District Labor Federation has gradually affirmed its position as a reliable support and a solid foundation for its members in the most difficult times.

The program not only contributes to stabilizing the lives of workers, but also motivates union members to work with peace of mind, improve the quality and efficiency of their work, and make positive contributions to the socio -economic development of the locality.

Based on the achievements so far, in the coming time, the Trade Union Federation of Chuong My Ward will continue to focus on reviewing and supporting union members and workers regarding housing. At the same time, it will guide grassroots trade unions in developing projects to borrow capital from the Capital's Fund for Assisting Poor Workers and Employees to develop family economies, thereby helping union members increase their income and improve their lives.

This is also a way for the Chuong My Trade Union to inspire confidence, strengthen the bond between union members and the organization, and contribute to building an increasingly strong workforce of workers, civil servants, and laborers, meeting the development requirements of the Capital in the new era.

Source: https://hanoimoi.vn/niem-vui-an-cu-tu-nhung-mai-am-nghia-tinh-cua-cong-doan-chuong-my-726783.html