Firms take pre-emptive measures to ensure staff after Tet
Dai Dong Vietnam Company said they have nearly 50 foreign employees, most of them are Japanese. In 2020, they returned to Japan and were unable to return to Vietnam to work until mid-June. This year, they have successfully persuaded them to stay in Vietnam through Tet.
Nguyen Van Khanh, deputy head of HCM City Leather and Footwear Association said many firms had cut staff by 20-30% in 2020. When the orders returned, they couldn't find enough employees. If one employee is tested positive, there will be quarantine and leaves of absence and operations will be badly affected. To prevent such a scenario, the firms are recruiting employees who will stay in a strictly-monitored environment.
Do Thi Ninh Huong, head of Quang Ninh Province Federation of Labour, said, "From what we know, all firms at Hai Yen Industrial Park, Hai Ha Port Industrial Park and other areas in the province are implementing such plans. It is estimated that 10,000 employees will stay in Quang Ninh through Tet."
Nguyen Xuan Anh, head of Hai Duong Province Federation of Labour, said after community cases were reported, they had asked firms to review their workforce and preventive measures. Firms were also asked to have plans to ensure the employees' living environment and activities for Tet celebration as they stay at the companies through Tet.
Firms will provide support for those who already have a place to stay and help rent rooms at hotels or guest houses for those without accommodation. If the companies can't rent any places, they must provide suitable temporary lodging for their employees. According to Anh, about 30,000 employees have registered to stay instead of returning to their hometowns.
The Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs advised firms to be more cautious when receiving more orders and expanding business after Tet like usual because of the complicated situation.
