Taiwanese footwear workers see demands met following strike

“I just received a message from the company that it would increase my basic salary by 6 percent, plus seniority allowances. I am satisfied with these results,” said a worker of Viet Glory, adding workers used to receive a monthly salary of VND3.6 million ($158.45), plus several allowances, totaling around VND6 million a month.

Their total income was lower than another company’s in the area, causing workers to strike in response, the worker explained.

Some added they’ve worked at the company for three years without seniority allowances, while their monthly allowances to raise small children were too little, only VND30,000 a month.

Pham Duc Cuong, chairman of the Dien Chau District’s confederation of labor, said it has received 11 proposals by workers, some of which have been accepted by the company. The most discussed were to increase the basic salary and introduce seniority allowances, according to Cuong.

“The company has managed to bring forward an appropriate solution and all workers would return to work,” he said, adding the confederation would continue to encourage workers to share difficulties with the company.

Le Manh Hien, deputy chairman of Dien Chau District People’s Committee, said when a strike happens, authorities need to understand the demands of workers and the company’s situation.

“There needs to be persistent communication and negotiation to balance the interests of both sides and maintain security and order in the area,” Hien said.

On Feb. 7, workers of Viet Glory Company in Dien Chau District went on strike demanding certain changes in the firm’s policies, including an increase in basic salary and seniority allowances.

The Taiwanese company specializes in leather footwear exports. It’s been operating since 2019.