Firms told ’improve conditions’

The HCM City Export Processing and Industrial Zones Authority (HEPZA) has officially ordered three enterprises to improve working conditions and strictly comply with labour regulations and policies.

Those which fail to do so would receive strict fines and other punitive measures, a HEPZA official warned, adding the stricture applied to all firms under its jurisdiction.

The Sai Gon Giai Phong newspaper quoted HEPZA head Vu Van Hoa as saying last Wednesday that the authority had acted on media reports to send an inspection team to: Hugo Knit Ltd Co in Linh Trung EPZ No.1; Yesum Vina Ltd Co in Linh Trung EPZ No.2; and Nidec Copal Viet Nam Ltd Co in Tan Thuan EPZ.

Following the inspection, Hugo Knit Ltd. was ordered to comply with regulations on payments to be made during an employee's probation period and on working hours demanded of employees.

The company was also asked to build bathrooms and toilets for female workers meeting hygiene standards set by the Ministry of Health. The inspection team found the company had inadequate hygienic facilities to serve more than 760 female workers.

It should also build kitchens to heat up prepared food to ensure food safety and hygiene, Hoa said.

Nidec Copal Viet Nam Ltd was found violating labour regulations when it docked workers' wages for being late to work; and in failing to carry out required procedures and regulations while concluding labour contracts with their workers.

HEPZA has asked the company to comply with labour regulations and to ensure adequate toilets for its workforce.

Yesum Vina Ltd. Co. has also been asked to build separate bathrooms and toilets for female workers, ensure sufficient toilets for all workers, and ensure regular clean up and replacement of damaged equipment in bathrooms and toilets.

The offending enterprises have to fully implement the orders within 30 days and report results to HEPZA.

Hoa said all enterprises in the city's export processing and industrial zones and industrial parks should regularly examine their implementation of labour regulations and policies to ensure compliance.

vietnamnet, vietnmanews

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