Workers laid off as global demand falls
Textile and electronics companies are cutting overtime and working hours to their workers’ dismay as global consumer demand fall.
Tran Thu Huong and her husband were working at a garment factory in HCMC’s Go Vap District when last month, their income fell by 20% to VND15 million ($640.75) as new orders shrunk.
Huong said their income was barely enough any more as they paid VND2.2 million for house rent, VND2.7 million for tuition for their five-year-old child and loan interest, and had to tighten their belt by “not buying miscellaneous things” such as fruits.
Her husband, Hung, 33, recently quit his job after working at the factory for five years.
“I can’t work in the garment industry anymore,” he said.
He used to be paid VND13-14 million a month when he started working, but the amount had halved by the time he quit.