Vietnamese workers suffer as industrialisation gathers pace

Over the last three decades, Vietnam has industrialised and steadily integrated into the world capitalist economy while recovering from the devastation of the American War. This expanding industrial sector has also exposed workers to new hazards. While there have been attempts and initiatives by unions to tackle occupational health and safety issues, the situation remains dire for many Vietnamese workers. A recent report has shown that more than 50 workers per month are killed in industrial accidents every year. Much remains to be done by Vietnamese unions.

Over the last three decades, Vietnam has industrialised and steadily integrated into the world capitalist economy while recovering from the devastation of the American War. This expanding industrial sector has also exposed workers to new hazards. While there have been attempts and initiatives by unions to tackle occupational health and safety issues, the situation remains dire for many Vietnamese workers. A recent report has shown that more than 50 workers per month are killed in industrial accidents every year. Much remains to be done by Vietnamese unions.