The Journey of Compassion and a Female Worker's Joy of Reunion

As the last lunar month arrives, the topic of returning home for Tet becomes the "hottest" discussion in worker dormitories and factory breakrooms. It is usually filled with familiar worries: expensive tickets, long-distance travel, and the exhaustion of crowded vehicles. However, for Dang Thi Hoa, a worker at Bericap Vietnam Co., Ltd. (Long Hau 3 Industrial Park, Tay Ninh Province), this year’s Tet story is painted with a much brighter color.

Instead of anxiety, there is now joy and eager anticipation. This year, Hoa will return to her hometown for Tet on the "Union Flight", jointly organized by the Vietnam General Confederation of Labour (VGCL) and the National Flag Carrier - Vietnam Airlines.

The Heartache of an Expatriate

Leaving her hometown in Ha Tinh for Tay Ninh to work as a laborer six years ago, Dang Thi Hoa, like many others far from home, always carries a deep longing for her family, especially given her difficult circumstances. "My parents are elderly and can no longer work, and my younger brother unfortunately suffered an accident, requiring very expensive medical treatment," Hoa shared.

In those conditions, she always reminded herself to strive and complete her assigned tasks, adhering to company regulations and state laws. To Hoa, that was the best way to maintain a stable income to support her small family and help her parents and brother back home.

Despite the constant longing, for the past four years, she has not been able to touch that dream of a Tet reunion. According to Hoa, the biggest barrier was the cost of travel. "The distance from Tay Ninh to Ha Tinh is about 1,200 km. Traveling by bus takes a lot of time, and as a woman with limited health, it's exhausting and full of risks. But airfare is often beyond a worker's limited income. Thus, for many years, I had to suppress the joy of gathering," she confided.

A Dream of Reunion Coming True

That longing was finally compensated this year when, through her company's trade union recommendation, Hoa was selected for the "Union Flight" program with free air tickets to return home for Tet.

This is truly a gift of practical material value and immense spiritual significance. "Before, I never dared to think about flying home for Tet. Yet this year, both my husband and I will fly with Vietnam Airlines. To me, this is literally a dream come true. I called home to share the news, and everyone was moved to tears," she said excitedly.

Hoa added that she had recently undergone a C-section a few months ago and her health has not fully recovered. Therefore, being able to travel by plane, which is gentle, safe, and significantly faster, is incredibly meaningful. Furthermore, with these free tickets, her family will save approximately 7 million VND.

"This is a significant amount for a worker's family like mine. Thanks to this flight, I can spend more to care for my parents and prepare a more decent Tet. Most importantly, I can return home for a true reunion without exhaustion or stress. I am very grateful to the VGCL and Vietnam Airlines—a humanitarian and thoughtful National Flag Carrier. I commit to returning to work on time to repay this precious care," Hoa shared emotionally.

The story of Dang Thi Hoa reflects the shared sentiments of many workers on the "Union Flight". It is clear that the program is not merely travel support but a timely recognition and encouragement for those who contribute silently every day.

On that spring flight, alongside simple Tet gifts, there is the joy of returning and the radiant eyes of workers who, after many years, will finally celebrate Tet with their families. On the wings carrying the spirit of Vietnam Airlines, Tet seems to have arrived earlier through peace of mind, the happiness of reunion, and warm humanitarian values for those far from home.