Direct support package priority to Covid-19 hit workers: labor union

While it is not clear how much of the package is left, the federation says workers who have contracted the novel coronavirus and those who have been isolated are accorded support.

It says the state budget should be used to help worker overcome their loss of pay and cover the costs of meals, testing and other Covid-19 related fees.

The VND62 trillion support package was initiated in April last year, aiming to help poor people and businesses recover from Covid-19 pandemic.

Workers who have lost their jobs for two weeks or more are eligible for it, but in reality, administrative procedures have prevented many from receiving any support.

The Ministry of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs has several times requested that procedures are simplified so that workers can receive their due.

The labor confederation has also encouraged businesses to buy vaccines for their staff towards boosting rapid economic recovery.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh said Tuesday that workers, especially in industrial areas, should be prioritized for vaccination.

The northern provinces of Bac Giang and Bac Ninh, which are now the biggest Covid-19 hotspots in the country, began vaccinating workers starting Thursday, with the former targeting 150,000 people and the latter 90,000.

Hundreds of workers in these two provinces have contracted the novel coronavirus and tens of thousands are in quarantine.