Saigon, thousands of workers on strike against government regulations on social insurance
Ho Chi Minh City (AsiaNews) - For days, thousands of textile workers in the south of Vietnam, employees of a company owned by the Chinese, have been striking against a new government law, which regulates social insurance in cases of illness, accident , disability, unemployment.
Street demonstrations and protests by workers are a rare event in the Asian country, where the government, once inspired by communist ideals, is now engaged in becoming a new capitalist "tiger". As under communism, it still exercises strict control over citizens’ activities, exercise of religions and union activities.
The protest began on March 26 led by employees of Pou Yuen Vietnam, a shoe factory that produces for international brands such as Adidas, Nike, Reebok and Converse and which is located in Tan Tao Industrial Park, on the outskirts of Ho Chi Minh City.
At least 90 thousand workers joined the demonstrations against the norm desired by the executive, which prevents workers to receiving a lump sum insurance payment, should their employment be terminated.
The company would also have detracted the last three months of contributions for personal purposes instead of depositing it into the coffers of the State Agency.
Local sources quoted by Radio Free Asia (RFA) reported that, throughout the day yesterday, thousands of people protested inside and outside the factory, refusing to work. Lawyer Le Thi Cong Nhan, of Viet Labor Movement (not recognized by the government), defines the new standard - in effect since January 1, 2016 - "a step backward in workers rights".
In the past, workers could choose to receive a lump sum at the end of a contract, or wait for retirement. Hanoi has effectively blocked the ability to choose, says the lawyer, and this is contrary to their rights because "only the workers can know what is best for them."
For many workers the fact that the law requires them to wait until the age of retirement (60 for men, 55 for women) to receive a lump sum shows that the government has used these funds in bad investments. They believe that the government is now stalling in order to recover the capital.
Vietnamese Minister of Labour Le Bach Hong, says the workers are protesting because they do not understand the law, which ensures instead "has long term benefits."
Strikes and workers' protests are a rare event in Vietnam. The nation is ruled by a single communist party which usually uses an iron fist against the protests. Particular attention is devoted to the textile sector, where there is a strong rivalry with China and Cambodia.
However, as confirmed by the lawyer Nhan in recent years workers awareness of their rights has improved and they are no longer afraid to strike and protest to assert them.
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