Outdoor workers in the low-income spiral

In humidity and poor health are common conditions for many traditional motorbike taxi drivers today. Mr. Nguyen Van Minh (61 years old, living in Thu Duc City, Ho Chi Minh City), who has been a motorbike taxi driver for more than 30 years, is also struggling to make a living every day.

Declining health

Every day, from 4am, Mr. Minh takes a bus to pick up and drop off goods in District 12 and then runs through the usual pick-up point in Thu Duc City. The rain was pouring all day outdoors, but one day he returned empty-handed because there was not a single ticket, and every day with a customer, he only earned a few tens of thousands of dong.

Under the hot weather, Nguyen Thi Thu (40 years old, selling walking fruit at Tan Dinh Market, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City) still has to cycle around the alleys to sell goods. The sweat was soaked on the back of her shirt, her face was red, clearly showing fatigue, but she still tried to earn money to take care of her family.

"The hot weather causes increased energy expenditure. I felt very tired from having to cycle heavy loads every day. It was sunny, I was very tired when I went to sell. But working like me, if it rains, I am even more worried because of lack of customers" - Ms. Thu said.

Outdoor workers' health declines as the weather becomes more and more extreme

The Social Life Research Institute points out climate change to the health of outdoor workers in urban areas in Vietnam. In 2024, Social Life conducted a survey of 400 outdoor workers in 4 major cities: Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang and Can Tho. Their popular jobs are construction workers, drivers, street vendors, and pickpockets...

The study has some notable results: 70.5% of workers are in the 30-60 age group; 48.5% have been attached to this job for over 10 years; relatively low educational level (46.3% have graduated from junior high school and 19.3% are in primary school); unstable residential status (52% do not have permanent residence, 6.5% do not have fixed accommodation)...

In particular, 67.2% of the above workers said that they do not have any savings to cope with emergency situations. For them, stopping work means running out of money, without any reserve to cope with periods of unable to work due to bad weather.

Associate Professor, Dr. Nguyen Duc Loc, Director of Social Life Institute, shared: "Immediately after the night Typhoon Yagi swept through Hanoi, when everything was still in disarray, these workers had to step out to work to make a living. They are not allowed to take a break to ensure their safety."

The lack of financial incentives is further compounded by the impact of climate change. The weather is getting harsher, and outdoor workers are susceptible to illness.

22.3% of workers surveyed said they were in poor health and often had to take time off work for treatment. They suffer from 21 common diseases, mainly diseases related to temperature, respiratory and bone and joint diseases.

They work outdoors so they are susceptible to diseases. When sick, they have to take a day off without a sick leave, so they lose income. Research has recorded many cases of outdoor workers reducing their income by 40-50% during hot peak months.

Building a support fund

Social Life's research has discovered significant gaps in policies to protect outdoor workers from the impact of climate change.

From the employer's side, support is still very limited, mainly stopping at providing basic personal protective equipment. In particular, for freelance groups such as street vendors and technology motorbike taxi drivers, there is almost no form of protection.

Associate Professor, Dr. Nguyen Duc Loc suggested: "First of all, it is necessary to establish an emergency income support fund exclusively for outdoor workers during extreme weather days".

Sharing about this issue, Mr. Phung Thai Quang, Vice Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City Labor Federation, said that the Ho Chi Minh City Labor Union has gathered freelance workers, especially outdoor workers, into the unions. To date, Ho Chi Minh City Trade Unions at all levels have established 148 trade unions, developing nearly 15,074 union members.

In parallel with gathering workers into the union, the Trade Unions at all levels have organized many activities towards union members such as mobilizing the donation of voluntary social insurance, health insurance, accident insurance; implementing the "Union member welfare" program; visiting and supporting difficulties and illnesses; organizing vocational training to improve skills; disseminating legal information as well as providing free legal support...

In particular, the Ho Chi Minh City Trade Union coordinated with units to establish 10 " Free Stop Parks" for union members of motorbike taxi unions. The stop has a parking space, a restroom, and a drink and coffee service at affordable prices for drivers. In addition, union members are also able to use free hot, cold and wifi water.

The destination is not only for motorbike taxi drivers but also open to all workers who need to find a place to rest and avoid the heat. anyone in need can use free community services here.

"This helps the motorbike taxi drivers and other workers have a safe and convenient place to rest and recover their health" - Vice President of the Ho Chi Minh City Labor Federation Phung Thai Quang said.