Workers and laborers in the Southeast Economic Zone - impressive spiritual 'parties'

COLOR OF WORKERS

When talking about workers, people often imagine rigid uniforms, tight protective gear and bulky packages... However, what we witnessed at the "New Rhythm of Life Dance" and "Elegant Youth" contests organized by...UnionThe Southeast Economic Zone held on May 20 is a picture completely opposite to this image.

The contests “New Rhythm of Life Dance” and “Elegant Youth” attracted a large audience to watch and cheer. Photo: Diep Thanh

Among the large audience, many were residents, relatives and children of workers in VSIP Industrial Park. Photo: Diep Thanh

17:30, the end of work, people poured out of the factory gates, going up and down the streets of VSIP Nghe An Industrial Park (Hung Nguyen). Because today is the day of the "New Rhythm of Life Dance" and "Elegant Youth" contests, many cars turned into the empty lot on D2 Street - where an outdoor stage with a brilliant lighting system had been set up elaborately and magnificently. The organizers had arrived since early afternoon, adjusting the photo angles, checking each light bulb, rehearsing each performance... to make sure everything was ready. Just 15 minutes after the end of work, more than 1,000 chairs prepared by the organizers were filled with people, many people even had to stand because there was no more room.

“Burning” is probably the adjective that best describes the atmosphere of the “New Rhythm Dance” Contest. The contestants were on fire with their performances on stage, in colorful costumes, the audience was on fire with their cheering props, even the judges and the delegates were “on the edge of their seats” to the vibrant music. That passionate atmosphere made anyone attending the event feel excited and joyful.

An elaborate performance by union members of workers in the Southeast Economic Zone. Photo: Diep Thanh

The audience's exciting atmosphere. Photo: Diep Thanh

After going all out for her unit's performance, Ms. Thu Trang -WorkerInnovative Manufacturing Solutions VietNam Co., Ltd. (IMS) excitedly shared: “To prepare for this performance, we practiced every week, with the support and sponsorship of both the company and the company’s union. It was a happy time with many memories. I wish there were more programs like this for workers and laborers to participate in.”

In the excitement, Mr. Lim Han Tae - leader of Woosin Vina Co., Ltd. said: Our company's union was just established 1 year ago and during that time we have received a lot of support from the Dong Nam Economic Zone Union. Now we are able to participate in such a meaningful and exciting playground, we are truly grateful to the organizers. After these programs,workers and company leadershave the opportunity to entertain, exchange, and connect with each other more. In addition, when spiritual life is improved, when workers feel happy, productivity will also increase. We understand this clearly, are willing to create conditions for workers to participate and will organize it at the company every year". It is known that after the event, the performance troupe of this unit was also awarded an additional 2 million VND by the company's leadership.

Korean leaders and Vietnamese workers cheer for their units. Photo: Diep Thanh

Union members and workers of Dong Nam Economic Zone gracefully perform in the Ao Dai competition. Photo: Diep Thanh

The second half of the program is the “Elegant Youth” Contest with 17 contestants from 13 businesses. This is where the typical young men and women of the Southeast Economic Zone truly shine brightly in both appearance and talent. In elaborate and beautiful costumes, they demonstrate their talents in dancing, singing, flower arrangement, public speaking, martial arts, foreign languages, etc. in an excellent manner. That is also the reason why the audience keeps coming in increasing numbers.

THE EFFORTS BEHIND THE SCENES

The success of 2 competitions in 1 night is a worthy sweet fruit for the efforts of the staff of the Dong Nam Economic Zone Trade Union. In less than 1 month from the idea to the implementation, the staff in blue shirts simultaneously carried out many tasks, from building regulations, mobilizing businesses to participate, propagating in many forms, supporting grassroots trade unions, creating event scripts...

Female workers and laborers of the Southeast Economic Zone shine in traditional ao dai. Photo: Diep Thanh

Contestant Hoang Thi Be - a worker at BSE Electronics Co., Ltd. (Nam Cam Industrial Park) showed off her dancing talent in the talent round. Photo: Diep Thanh

“Workers’ lives always involve going to work early in the morning and finishing work when it is already dark, with almost no options for entertainment, and a dull and boring spiritual life. To develop this program, we conducted at least three direct surveys of workers at boarding houses to understand their needs and appropriate forms of organization,” said Ms. Nguyen Hoang Yen, an official of the Dong Nam Economic Zone Trade Union.

The hardest part of organizing is mobilizing.businessTo gain this consensus, the Dong Nam Economic Zone Trade Union went to many businesses to persuade, coordinated with leaders of departments, branches and localities to propagate and popularize the program, and applied it by setting an example to create a competitive atmosphere.

Ms. Tran Thi Nguyet - Vice President of the Dong Nam Economic Zone Trade Union explained further: "When the leaders of this company see that company investing in the contest, they also want to invest, even invest better. The competitive mentality between businesses has resonated with each other, creating a strong movement. In addition, we also actively promote the contest in blocks and hamlets, hang program banners throughout the industrial park, post information on company newsletters...". From this spread, many employers have changed their perception of the program, creating conditions for workers to leave early to practice, sponsoring costumes, accessories... Some businesses even require all workers and 100% of foreign managers to come watch and cheer for their unit.

With so many excellent performances and talented contestants, it was difficult for the judges to choose the highest prizes. Photo: Diep Thanh

At the end of the "New Rhythm of Life" contest, the Organizing Committee awarded 1 First Prize, 2 Second Prizes and 3 Third Prizes. In which, the First Prize belonged to the "New Sunshine" group - Minh Anh - Kim Lien Garment Joint Stock Company. The "Elegant Youth" contest awarded the First Prize to contestant Truong Thi Khanh Ly - Luxshare - ICT Nghe An Co., Ltd. At the program, the audience who were employees of the companies also participated in a lucky draw to win prizes of 15 electric fans and 1 rice cooker.

The role of grassroots union officials is also extremely important. They are the ones who take care of, motivate, and direct the contestants of their units, becoming enthusiastic and responsible "managers" and "maids". While preparing for the talent competition, contestant Hoang Thi Be - a worker at BSE Electronics Co., Ltd. (Nam Cam Industrial Park) confided: "Ms. Anh Lam - President of my company's union is not only the main director for my every move, but also the logistics and our most enthusiastic cheerleader. After preparing for the competition, we love the multi-talented union leader even more and are proud of the union organization."

Attending the event as a guest, Ms. Hoang Thi Thu Thuy - President of the Labor Federation of Hung Nguyen District commented: "It's been a long time since I've participated in such a vibrant event, and it's been a long time since VSIP Industrial Park workers had the opportunity to "burn" themselves out like this. The contest is a meaningful playground for workers to shine, show their talents, be confident and proud of themselves. Meaningful programs like this need to be replicated and spread more widely."

Awarding the first prize winner of the "Elegant Youth" contest. Photo: Diep Thanh

Fans from businesses in VSIP Industrial Park enthusiastically cheer for their "opponents". Photo: Diep Thanh

“We, the program makers, still havehappywitnessing the solidarity of grassroots unions. Some businesses located far away with few supporters have received encouragement from union members and workers of nearby units. The race has winners and losers, but there is no gap between the units" - Ms. Nguyen Hoang Yen, an official of the Dong Nam Economic Zone Union said.