Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc speaks at a working session with Việt Nam General Confederation of Labour on labour-related issues. VNA/VNS Photo Thống Nhất

HÀ NỘI — Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc on Thursday asked the Việt Nam General Confederation of Labour (VGCL) to take better care of workers.

Speaking at a working session with the VGCL's leaders in Hà Nội, the PM said: “Caring for and ensuring stable jobs, as well as improving living standards and working conditions for workers is an important and urgent task of the Party, the State, of the political system, of each worker and all of society, in which the trade union has a great role and responsibility.”

The close co-ordination between the Government and VGCL over the past five years has helped solve a lot of labour-related matters and the trade union has brought into full play its role in building policies relating to labourers, he said.

A report from VGCL showed that after five years, the number of employed workers increased by 26 per cent. The regional minimum wage rose by 1.3 times and average income increased by 35 per cent, contributing to improving income and living standards for workers.

The number of workers with stable jobs and high income has gradually increased over the years.

Despite accounting for only 14 per cent of the population and 27 per cent of the social workforce, the working class contributes mote than 65 per cent of the country’s gross national product and more than 70 per cent of the State Budget, the PM said.

However, he said: “In the new context, especially under the impact of international integration and strong digital transformation, our country's workers are facing many challenges.”

The low skill of labourers is a very big problem and so is the ability to adapt to some industries.” 

Due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, many factories and companies had to reduce their operations or lay off staff. The incomes of some workers were not enough for them to survive, causing difficulty for their children’s schooling.

“These things concern all of us,” Phúc said.

He suggested agencies and local authorities work with trade unions and employers to build housing, schools and other facilities to ease hardships for labourers.

The PM said the Government encouraged employers to apply modern technical standards, management systems and advanced technologies into production and business activities to improve working conditions and ensure safety for employees.

He called on workers across the country to overcome difficulties and study to improve their qualifications, contributing to the growth of each business for their happiness and the prosperity of the country.

Phúc also directed agencies, the VGCL and enterprises to prepare the best for workers on the occasion of Tết (Lunar New Year), especially those in difficult circumstances so everyone can welcome the New Year in a warm and happy manner. — VNS