The national government has created the best conditions to help labourers enjoy favourable housing, health care, insurance, legal assistance and living standards in industrial zones (IZs) and export processing zones (EPZs).

Prime Minister Phuc addressing the event  (Photo: baodanang.vn)

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc made the statement during a dialogue with labourers in the central region at Da Nang’s Tiên Sơn Sports Arena on Saturday.

The dialogue, organised by the Viet Nam General Confederation of Labour (VGCL), was attended by more than 2,000 labourers working at IZs and EPZs in Da Nang and the provinces of Quang Nam, Thua Thien-Hue, Quang Tri and Quang Ngai.

Mr Phuc said that it was the 2^nd time he has directly talked with labourers on how to improve production and living conditions for workers at IZs and EPZs in the central region.

“I was extremely impressed with talks from thousands of workers in the southern region last year.  I want to hear them talking about living and working conditions at working places as well as problems and difficulties that they faced,” Mr Phuc said.

“The national government has reserved 197 billion VND(US$8.7 million) for developing houses and apartment projects for workers at IZs and EPZs nationwide,” he said.

Mr Phuc said that various measures have been built by the national government to support workers including libraries, kindergartens for workers’ children, entertainment centres, nutritional meals and special conditions for female workers during pregnancy and nursing.

The PM also asked local governments and trade unions to strengthen inspections on food safety, insurance, health care and training among businesses.

He said the revised Law of Labour includes fines of 3 billion VND (US$133,000) or 7 years imprisonment to on employers who don’t buy insurance for their employees.

Prime Minister Phuc meets with workers in the central region (Source: VNA)

During a 2-hour talk, workers asked the government to help improve their income, sustainable development, skill development and housing.

On the occasion, a business announced to present 1 billion VND (44,000 USD) to the Golden Heart Fund to give further care for workers.

PM Phuc and Da Nang leaders also presented 30 houses built a total cost of 1.5 billion VND (66,000 USD) to disadvantaged workers.  Amongst the recipients was Phan Thi Tuyet Suong, a worker of the Da Nang Foster Electric company.  She told the PM that she has yet to have her own house despite having worked hard for the last 20 years.

"I am staying with my 2 daughters in a shed on some vacant land in the commune. I hope the Prime Minister can help me to earn more money to buy a house and take care of my family better," she said.

The telecom firm Mobifone also gave 40 billion VND (1.76 million) to the Viet Nam General Confederation of Labour to implement its commitment to ensuring social welfare for trade union members.

On Saturday, the VGCL inked agreements with 8 businesses in providing commodities and service with preferential prices for labourers in the region.

Also to celebrate the upcoming International Labour Day (May 1), the VGCL began construction of a housing project with total investment of 377 billion VND ($16.7 million) in the Dien Nam-Dien Ngọc Industrial Zone in Quang Nam Province.

According to the confederation, 1.2 million workers out of a total 2.7 million at IZs and EPZs need housing services nationwide.

(Source: VNS/ VNA/ DA NANG Today)