In the bustling days leading up to Tet 2026, as “charity buses” have already set off to take workers home for family reunions, some rented rooms at a social housing area in Thien Loc Commune (Ha Noi City) still glow late into the night. There, many workers living far from home have chosen to remain in the capital to earn a living.
Understanding and sharing these circumstances, on February 14, the Ha Noi City Labour Federation organised the “Tet away from home” programme, bringing a warm spring to union members and workers of Canon Viet Nam Co., Ltd. who are staying in Ha Noi for Tet.
The programme was held right after the activity “Free buses to take workers home for Tet”, serving as a continued bridge of care and solidarity.
Speaking at the event, Nguyen Van Thang, President of the Ha Noi City Labour Federation, said that staying in Ha Noi does not mean being far from Tet. The capital’s trade union hopes that workers can celebrate Tet right where they live and work, in a warm and caring atmosphere.
Beyond greetings and words of care, the “Tet away from home” programme also offered an emotional “spiritual feast”. Performances staged by trade union staff, and songs about spring and the homeland, echoed through the workers’ housing area, making the atmosphere feel close and familiar. Each union member was also handed banh chung, gio (pork roll) and a Tet gift bag. The gifts were not large in material value, but carried the deep affection of the trade union organisation.
Receiving her Tet gift bag, Bac Thi Phuong (born in 1992, from Ha Giang Province) could not hide her emotion. She has been with Canon Viet Nam Co., Ltd. for 13 years.
Phuong said that this Tet she decided to stay in Ha Noi to work extra shifts to earn additional income to send home to help her parents. She knew Tet away from home would be sad, but with the trade union’s care and a programme like this, she felt truly warmed. It felt as if she still had a big family by her side.
Vu Thi Thanh Hai (from Thai Nguyen Province) has worked at the company for 14 years. With four siblings, Hai chose to stay and work extra shifts because Tet-day wages are higher. That income helps her cover living costs in the city, which are often expensive. For her, the trade union’s gift was not only material support, but also an encouragement that strengthens her confidence and commitment to her job.
The “Tet away from home” programme, therefore, is not merely a year-end welfare activity. It is a strong message of responsibility and care from the capital’s trade union organisation towards workers whether they return home or stay in Ha Noi to make a living.
