One recent survey suggests that foreign direct investment (FDI) businesses in Vietnam are becoming known for treating their employees badly.
The survey was conducted by a group of researchers from Hue University of Sciences and Rosa Luxemburg Stiftung Foundation (Germany), and was released during a seminar called "The Role of Trade Unions in Protecting Laborer's Rights. The seminar was held in Hue City, on Sep. 29.
Among the complaints of the majority of these workers were, very low wages, high quotas and huge workloads, being verbally mistreated and demeaned, unsafe work environments. Some even claim that they are not allowed breaks to go to the rest-room.
Illustrative photo. Workers operate a production line making kitchen tools at Supor Viet Nam Co. Ltd in southern Binh Duong Province.
Between 2005 and 2012, there were 4,380 strikes, 80% of which were at FDI businesses. One striking worker said: "The company continuously increases the workload, making it impossible to finish. There are some projects that require three people, but they only assign two. Still salaries remain the same.
Another worker said, "We barely have enough time to drink water. The items on the conveyor belt pass by so quickly, and they run them at speeds much faster than they are supposed to. Every day at work is terrifying."
FDI businesses have brought with them great benefits to the economy for the past 25 years, but it seems that the rights of workers is falling to the wayside. Moreover, many workers remain uneducated of their rights. These companies are not enthusiastic about enlightening their employees on the subject.
The researchers behind the survey had a difficult time collecting data about FDI firms, many of which were uncooperative.
It was proposed during the seminar that the state codify workers rights, make a clear and feasible plan for enforcement, promote training of officials with negotiating skills and regularly inspect FDI firm.
