Century Debt

With the cost of living on the rise, a monthly salary of 1 million VND (£32) for a factory worker doesn’t cover rent and utilities, much less petrol and food. Many choose to sleep all day in order to abstain from food, and then work at night. After all, with newspapers and radios far exceeding their budgets, sleep is the cheapest form of recreation.

Distances of less than 50 km separate factory workers from their families– they simply cannot afford the bus ticket to go home, instead spending Tet festival sitting in their tiny rented rooms. Others who live within commuting distance can save on rent, but start the day at 4 am.

Despite these privations, the monthly income is insufficient and workers often borrow money from one person to pay another, in an endless cycle called ‘Century debt’. One way to pay debts is to work 12 hours a day, 30 days a month, which can double a person’s income. Alternatively, those willing to work in a toxic environment can earn an extra VND 14,000 (44 p) per day. Workplace safety is, at times, deficient – separate explosions killed seven people on the same day, two while acetylene welding and five women working at a brick kiln.

Think and pray

• We agree that we all need food and sleep. So, isn’t sleep the best form of recreation?
• Is there any difference between resting to feel refreshed, and resting to avoid the need for food?
• Do we need entertainment or stimulation from newspapers, etc.? What about just chatting to other workers? (Although, this would still expend energy.)
• What are the consequences for workers isolated from their families and communities? What about young married couples wanting to start a family? Those with children already?
• When does a person working 12 hours every day have the time to hear the gospel?
• What opportunities are there for Christians to meet the needs of factory workers?
• In faith, imagine what a ministry to factory workers might look like. Note that in Vietnam, as elsewhere, Christians can emphasise attendance at Sunday services and other church meetings. Do you see any potential tensions?
• ‘Century debt’ – recall last month’s prayer topics on gambling and loan sharks
• Many of us live in countries where employers are legally obliged to provide a safe workplace. What ideals have brought this about?