Preventing the harmful effects of tobacco is an action for the present and an investment for the future.

Speaking at the rally, Vice President of the Vietnam General Confederation of Labor Ngo Duy Hieu suggested that each union member should become a “shield” to protect the community. Not smoking at work, daring to remind colleagues when they smoke in the wrong place, actively participating in anti-smoking campaigns - that is the responsibility of a citizen, the duty of a progressive worker.

World No Tobacco Day 2025, themed “Exposing the Allure of the False,” is a stark warning from the World Health Organization, exposing the sophisticated strategies of tobacco corporations. They relentlessly promote and market addictive products under the guise of “less harmful” and “more stylish,” targeting teenagers, young people, and even union members.

The Vice President of the Vietnam General Confederation of Labor emphasized: We cannot let future generations suffer the consequences of today's inaction. Preventing tobacco use - especially among young people, workers, civil servants, and laborers - is a vital task not only for the health sector, but also a shared responsibility of the whole society, in which the Trade Union plays a key role.

Preventing the harmful effects of tobacco is an action for the present and an investment for the future photo 1

Vice President of the Vietnam General Confederation of Labor Ngo Duy Hieu called on and requested that trade unions at all levels nationwide and workers actively participate in building a smoke-free working environment. (Photo: Trung Hieu)

Over the past 12 years, the Vietnam Trade Union has always been a pioneering force accompanying the Government , the health sector and the whole society in implementing the Law on Prevention and Control of Tobacco Harms. This is both a responsibility and a commitment to care for the health of union members and workers - those who are contributing to the development of the country every day.

With the synchronous participation, up to now, more than 87% of grassroots trade unions have implemented the construction of smoke-free working environments; more than 1 million union members and workers have quit or reduced smoking. These numbers have demonstrated the spreading power of a movement rich in humanity and social responsibility.

However, the work of preventing and combating the harmful effects of tobacco needs to continue to be promoted, innovated and replicated effective models, associated with activities to care for the lives and health of workers.

Responding to the Government's commitment to the World Health Organization's Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, the Vietnam Trade Union will continue to promote its core role, working with relevant agencies to strive to reduce the smoking rate among men to 35% by 2030 as the set target.

The Vietnam General Confederation of Labor calls on and recommends that trade unions at all levels nationwide continue to strongly innovate and diversify forms of propaganda and mobilize union members and workers to actively participate in building a smoke-free working environment. In particular, focusing on synchronously and effectively implementing specific groups of solutions.

Preventing the harmful effects of tobacco is an action for the present and an investment for the future photo 2

Rally in response to National Smoke-Free Week and World No Tobacco Day (May 31) in Bac Giang city. (Photo: Trung Hieu)

Firstly , trade unions at all levels need to proactively launch extensive and substantive communication campaigns. Not just simply information and propaganda, but must turn dry warnings about the harmful effects of tobacco into heart-touching messages, reaching the awareness and emotions of each union member and worker. Regularly organize thematic activities, discussions at trade union groups, competitions to learn about knowledge on preventing the harmful effects of tobacco... to transform awareness into action.

Second , create a smoke-free working environment. The union proactively coordinates with employers to develop and enforce regulations prohibiting smoking in the workplace.

In specific units, it is necessary to establish separate areas for smokers, ensuring that they are separate and do not affect the health of others. At the same time, it is necessary to strengthen inspection, supervision, and handling of violations, creating a truly safe, healthy, and civilized working environment.

Third , provide real support for union members and workers to quit smoking. Quitting smoking cannot be based solely on prohibition. Unions at all levels need to proactively coordinate with the health sector and professional organizations to implement counseling programs, health check-ups, and provide free or discounted smoking cessation medications. At the same time, it is necessary to build and honor exemplary union members who quit smoking.

In particular, each union member needs to become a “shield” to protect the community. Not smoking at work, daring to remind colleagues when they smoke in the wrong place, actively participating in anti-smoking campaigns - that is the responsibility of a citizen, the duty of a progressive worker.

Vice President of the Vietnam General Confederation of Labor Ngo Duy Hieu affirmed that preventing and combating the harmful effects of tobacco is not only an action for the present, but also an investment for the future. Doing so will not only protect the health of union members and workers, but also contribute to building a green-clean-safe working environment, in line with the spirit of a country undergoing comprehensive innovation, moving towards sustainable development.

The Vietnam General Confederation of Labor affirms its commitment to continue to accompany and stand side by side with trade unions at all levels, sectors, businesses and all workers on this meaningful and humane journey.

Source: https://nhandan.vn/phong-chong-tac-hai-thuoc-la-la-hanh-dong-vi-hien-tai-va-dau-tu-cho-tuong-lai-post883684.html