ĐỒNG NAI —The Party, State and the entire government system always consider caring for workers’ lives as a top priority task, as they wish to see the force become strong in number and capacity in the context of intensive international integration, said Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc.
He had a dialogue with 3,000 labourers in industrial and processing zones in eight southern cities and provinces in Biên Hòa city, Đồng Nai province today on the occasion of May Day, known globally as labourers’ day. 
The dialogue sought workers’ opinions for the Government to improve its guidelines and policies in order to better ensure the legitimate rights and interest of the working class. 
He told participating workers that the Government had responded to the Việt Nam General Confederation of Labour’s proposals on salary rise with a decision to raise the minimum wage by 12 per cent to assist labourers. 
In the same vein, the Government had focused on curbing inflation and stabilising goods prices, he said. 
The leader asked authorities at all levels nationwide seriously observe regulations on the construction of industrial and processing zones which also require investors to build accommodation for workers and pre-schools for their children. 
He urged the Việt Nam Social Insurance and trade unions at all levels and local authorities to keep a close watch on businesses’ payment for social insurance for their workers. 
On food safety, Phúc said enterprises must publicise menus, prices and origins of food they serve their employees and local party committees and administration must be responsible for this issue. 
Appreciating labourers’ desire to improve their vocational and foreign language skills in service of the country’s economic integration, he requested all-level trade unions and employers to create optimal conditions for those who wish to do so. 
High-quality workers would have more chances to work overseas, especially after the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) agreement is put in place, he explained. —  VNS