From shift meals to workers' confidence

Tran Yen Commune Labor Union was established on July 1, 2025 on the basis of inheriting the District Labor Federation model. The trade union organization has quickly affirmed the role of "support" for union members and workers.

With specific and practical actions, notably participating in organizing and improving the quality of shift meals, the Tran Yen Commune Labor Union has contributed significantly to taking care of the material and spiritual life of workers.

From the practical labor and production, the Tran Yen Commune Labor Union clearly identifies: "Only by being real can we be worthy of worship". A shift meal, a nutritious union meal, ensuring food safety and hygiene not only helps workers recover their labor after many hours of hard work, but also directly improves productivity, quality and production and business efficiency.

As a direct beneficiary of that change, Ms. Nguyen Thi Ngoan, a union member of Yen Bai mulberry silk Joint Stock Company - shared: "Due to the location of the house nearby and long lunch break, we went home to eat with our family. On days of "Union Meals", we all feel the very warm atmosphere, leaders eat together, and chat together, so the workers feel truly cared for".

In the 2023-2025 period, the Tran Yen Commune Union has coordinated to organize 36 "Union Meal" programs for over 1,600 union members and workers. The average meal value reached over 70,000 VND/meal; the total cost was over 120 million VND, of which businesses supported more than 85%.

Up to now, 100% of shift meals at the units have ensured sufficient quantity and food safety and hygiene. The value of meals has improved significantly, increasing steadily over the years, currently reaching 23,000 - 30,000 VND/meal depending on the conditions of each enterprise.

The satisfaction level of union members and workers with the quality of meals reached over 95%; their health, spirit and productivity were significantly improved.

Mr. Vi Viet Trung - Chairman of the Tran Yen Commune Trade Union shared: "Caring for shift meals has long-term strategic significance: shift meals are an essential right, directly linked to the health and life of workers. Tran Yen Commune Labor Union always identifies accompanying businesses in improving the quality of shift meals as the most practical way to care for union members.

Through the "Union Meal" programs, we not only increase the value of meals but also create a space for dialogue and sharing between workers, businesses and trade union organizations. This is an important foundation for building harmonious and sustainable labor relations and an increasingly strong trade union organization".

On the afternoon of December 17, at the Provincial Military Command Hall, the 1st Lao Cai Provincial Trade Union Congress for the 2025-2030 term held its first working session with the participation of 150 official delegates representing over 41,000 union members and workers in the whole province.

At the first working session, the Congress listened to the delegate of the Tran Yen Commune Trade Union discuss: "Some experiences in the participation of trade unions in organizing and improving the quality of shift meals for union members and workers".

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