Factory workers at Nón Sơn are ready to return to work. Photo courtesy of sggp.org.vn

HCM CITY — Many factory workers are ready to return to work after the long Tết (Lunar New Year) holiday.

Most businesses have carried out COVID-19 prevention measures and control such as frequent body temperature checks and sterilisation at working areas, among other tasks.

Nguyễn Thị Thu Huyền from Vĩnh Long Province arrived in HCM City on Tuesday (the fifth day of Tết). Since she was worried about traffic jams and would like to have time to better prepare for the first working day of the Lunar New Year, she decided to return earlier this year.

“I felt content with over a week staying at home with my family during Tết,” she said.

Nguyễn Thị Ánh Trang from Kiên Giang Province, who works at PouYuen Việt Nam Company, said that she and her husband always return to the city one to two days in advance to “rebalance” their lifestyle.

Nguyễn Văn Hùng, chairman of the Trade Union of Đại Dũng Metallic Manufacture Construction and Trade Corporation in Bình Chánh District, said over 70 per cent of the company’s workforce will start work on the sixth day of Tết.

The company’s board of directors will offer red envelopes or lucky money to all workers at the factory, he said.

“By the 8th day of the Lunar New Year, workers from all provinces will return to the company. The fluctuation of labour shortages at the beginning of this year is expected to be about 10 per cent,” he added.

Epidemic prevention

Củ Phát Nghiệp, chairman of Trade Union of PouYuen Việt Nam Company, said that many workers stayed put in HCM City during Tết to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

The company organised workers’ shifts in a way to avoid crowding at the factory and provide workers with longer leave time.

“About 90 per cent of the company’s workers are expected to return to work right after the holiday. Of which, 80 per cent will return on the 6th day of Tết and the rest will be coming from the 7th to 11th day. Labour efficiency will be ensured if workers have enough rest,” Nghiệp said.

Chairman of the Confederation of Labour in Bình Tân District Nguyễn Văn Hải said the number of workers who stayed in HCM City this year during Tết was significant.

To create further motivation for locals and help them better accommodate the “new normal” situation, the district Labour Confederation plans to set up online markets at firms. This is a service that helps workers shop for market goods conveniently.

Huỳnh Văn Tuấn, chairman of the HCM City Industrial Zones and Exports Trade Union, said about 40 per cent of enterprises in the EPs and IZs on February 17 resumed operations.

Since over 75 per cent of workers did not go home this year, labour shortages will not be a problem, he said.

Many businesses have told their workers who are returning from epidemic-prone areas to submit medical reports and follow strict measures to prevent outbreaks. — VNS