Request to protect the rights of Vietnamese workers in distress

The Ministry of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs has sent a document to the Department of Overseas Labor Management, the Vietnamese Labor Management Board in Taiwan (China), and the Overseas Employment Support Fund regarding the protection of the legitimate rights and interests of Vietnamese workers in the fire in Taiwan.

The document stated that, according to the report of the Labor Management Board in Taiwan on the damages caused by the fire and explosion at Minh Duong International Technology Joint Stock Company (Pingtung, Taiwan) at 5:31 p.m. on September 22, there are currently 16 injured Vietnamese workers receiving intensive treatment at hospitals in Taiwan.

Scene of the factory fire and explosion in Pingtung, Taiwan on September 23. (Photo: AFP/VNA)

To ensure the legitimate rights and interests of workers, the Ministry of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs requests that the Department of Overseas Labor Management direct businesses sending workers to work at Minh Duong Company to assign permanent representatives at the hospital to coordinate timely treatment and health protection for workers; coordinate with partners and employers to encourage, stabilize the psychology, arrange food, accommodation and daily living expenses for workers.

The Ministry also requires the transfer of owners and factories to workers (if needed) in case the factory cannot arrange jobs.

The Ministry of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs requested the Vietnamese Labor Management Board in Taiwan to coordinate with employers, employment service companies, relevant Taiwanese agencies and hospitals to actively treat and protect the health of workers; propose measures to protect the legitimate rights and interests of workers after Taiwanese authorities clarify the cause and responsibility of the incident.

The Vietnamese Labor Management Board in Taiwan requested the Taiwanese side to pay for medical expenses, provide material and spiritual support for injured workers, and arrange jobs for workers after their health recovery.

The Ministry of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs requested the Overseas Employment Support Fund to proactively research and propose policies to support workers and businesses damaged by the fire in accordance with the law.

The Overseas Employment Support Fund coordinates with businesses, the Overseas Labor Management Department, and the Vietnamese Labor Management Board in Taiwan to carry out necessary procedures and provide timely support to injured or unemployed workers who must return home (if any) according to regulations.

Nguyen Hue

Source