Trade Union Tet Market brings spring to the Northwest highlands

First time "going to Tet market without worrying about prices

Amidst the bustling crowd at the Trade Union Tet Market in Bat Xat border commune of Lao Cai province, Ms. Giang Thi Sua (37 years old), a garment worker at a processing facility, carefully held a bag of rice, a bottle of cooking oil and some essential goods in her hand. On her sunburned face for livelihood, her smile was brighter than usual.

According to Ms. Sua, with the online Tet market form, union members can easily choose products suitable for family living needs, saving time and costs. The atmosphere of participating in the program is lively and friendly with close messages exchanged in the grassroots trade union such as: "I can join the program now, honey, I'm going to the market here..."; "I didn't expect to receive goods so quickly"...

The salary of garment workers here is not high, and they also raise two children to study. Before, close to Tet, I was very worried, I had to calculate every penny. This year, the trade union issued shopping vouchers, and when I went to the Tet market, I bought many things, everyone was happy" - Ms. Sua shared.

Not far from Lao Cai, at a Trade Union Tet Market in Lai Chau province, Mr. Lo Van Phuong, (42 years old), a construction material exploitation worker, could not hide his surprise when comparing prices.

Rice, cooking oil, fish sauce and salt here are cheaper than in the market. The important thing is that I have a support voucher, so I can buy more things. This is the first time going to the Tet market without having to weigh and measure too much" - Mr. Phuong said with a smile.

Mr. Phuong is the main breadwinner in a family of 5 people. The work is heavy, and income depends on the weather and the number of working days in the month. In difficult economic years, he sometimes has to borrow money to prepare for Tet for his family.

In Dien Bien, Ms. Hoang Thi Hanh (29 years old), a agricultural product processing worker holding a Tet gift box from the microwave to confectionery, MSG - emotionally said: "It feels like Tet has come early".

Working seasonally, Ms. Hanh's income is unstable. In the last days of the year, she often has to work overtime to have more money to spend. The Trade Union Tet Market, according to her, not only helps reduce costs, but also creates great spiritual joy for workers.

Bringing Tet markets to highlands is of great significance

Mr. Nguyen Quoc Hoang - Chairman of Dien Bien Phu Ward Trade Union, Dien Bien province - said: "The Trade Union Tet Market is a very practical activity for workers and laborers in mountainous areas - where incomes are still low and shopping conditions are limited. Through the Tet Market, workers are not only supported materially with essential goods, stable prices, but more importantly, they are encouraged and clearly feel the concern and companionship of the Trade Union organization during the Lunar New Year.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Bich Nhiem - Vice Chairwoman of the Provincial Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee, Chairwoman of the Lao Cai Provincial Labor Federation - emphasized that the Trade Union Tet Market is one of the key activities in the program to care for Tet for union members and workers launched by the Vietnam General Confederation of Labor. Especially in the Northwest provinces - where workers' lives are still difficult, bringing Tet markets to the highlands is very meaningful.

Goods at the market are mainly essential items serving Tet, quality controlled, and prices stable. In addition, workers also receive gifts, shopping vouchers, participate in exchange and cultural activities, creating a warm and cohesive atmosphere.

We hope that the Tet market will not only help workers have a more fulfilling Tet, but also let them clearly feel the role of the Trade Union organization - always accompanying and sharing with workers, especially in places with many difficulties" - Ms. Nguyen Thi Bich Nhiem said.

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