The Juky Viet Nam Company manufactures sewing machines at Tan Thuan Export Processing Zone in HCM City. The manpower shortage is easing at industrial parks and export processing zones in HCM City and neighbouring Dong Nai Province, with most workers returning for work after Tet. (Photo: VNS)The situation is easing at industrial parks and export processing zones in HCM City and neighbouring Dong Nai Province, with most workers returning for work after Tet (Lunar New Year).

Nguyen Tan Dinh, deputy head of the HCM City Export Processing and Industrial Zones Authority, said factories have managed to get their workers back after the holiday unlike in the past because of better salaries and working conditions as well as decent Tet bonuses.

Companies in Dong Nai, for the first time in several years, did not face the hassle of hiring workers in the new year, according to the provincial Department of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs.

Fujitsu Computer Products Viet Nam Inc based in the Bien Hoa Industrial Zone II in Dong Nai saw 75 per cent of its workers return on January 27, the first day of work, and the number has since swelled to almost 100 per cent.

"It was above our expectations," admitted Le Duc Vinh, human resource manager of the company which has more than 2,200 workers, 60 per cent of whom are from other provinces.

Each worker got more than VND3 million (US$143) in Tet bonus and gifts.

The company also pays various allowances and social welfare premiums for its workers.

The Dong Nai Garment Corporation in Bien Hoa Industrial Zone I has been able to operate at full capacity after Tet.

Doan Thi Thu Thuy, its human resource manager, said in previous years the company had to recruit a large number of new workers after Tet, but not this year.

The company has nearly 3,000 workers who were paid two months' salary as Tet bonus and an average monthly salary of more than VND4 million, she said.

Source: VNS