Vo Khac Thai, Standing Vice Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City Labor Federation, presented this information during a working session between the Standing Committee of the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee and the city's labor union on the morning of 4/5. This initiative is a key program aimed at improving the quality of life for workers, following directives from General Secretary To Lam.

Currently, four enterprises are participating in the program: Hoa Sen Group, Phu Cuong Group, Tan Thuan Industrial Development Company (IPC), and LNT 7979. Hoa Sen has committed to investing in at least 20,000 units. LNT 7979 plans to build 30,000 units in the former Ba Ria - Vung Tau area. IPC is developing projects in areas with high concentrations of workers, such as Hiep Phuoc, An Phu Tay, and Tan My.

Vo Khac Thai, Standing Vice Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City Labor Federation, speaks at the working session, morning of 4/5. Photo: An Phuong

Approximately 50,000 of these units are expected to be implemented through rental or rent-to-own schemes. Under the new model, employers, through the labor union organization, will register to lease the units and cover the costs, allowing workers to reside there for free or for a minimal fee.

According to Mr. Thai, many businesses are willing to cover social housing rental costs for their workers to retain staff and reduce transportation expenses. The Ho Chi Minh City Labor Federation has recorded at least three businesses that have registered to lease accommodation for workers in the Phu My, Tan Phu Trung, and Chau Duc areas, with a total capacity for tens of thousands of individuals.

A survey conducted by the Ho Chi Minh City Labor Federation involving 200,000 workers revealed that 95% of laborers desire to purchase social housing to stabilize their lives in the city, a significant increase from the previous figure of approximately 65%.

Life at Le Thanh An Lac social housing complex, Binh Tan area. Photo: Quynh Tran

To advance the program, the Ho Chi Minh City labor union established a task force to collaborate directly with businesses and local authorities. Their goal is to identify suitable land funds, prioritizing projects located no more than 10 km from workplaces.

The first project is scheduled to break ground in June in Tan Vinh Loc commune. It will feature 1,785 apartments across 2,8 hectares, designed to accommodate over 4,400 workers. Several other projects are currently finalizing their investment procedures.

Following its merger with Binh Duong and Ba Ria - Vung Tau, Ho Chi Minh City has become the locality with the largest workforce in the country, boasting over 7 million laborers. This expansion has created an urgent demand for social housing and essential services for workers.

During a meeting with over 200 workers on 1/5, General Secretary To Lam urged the city to continue prioritizing worker welfare as a central task. This includes a focus on reviewing the demand for social housing, lodging, and essential services to ensure workers have stable accommodation and are confident in their long-term commitment.

Le Tuyet