Vietnam's Ride-Hailing Drivers Face Long Hours, Low Pay, and Limited Protection

Binh L, a local coffee shop owner in Hoi An, shares insights from a recent seminar on ride-hailing drivers' social security in Ho Chi Minh City. The story highlights the challenging realities faced by these drivers, who often work 17 hours a day, from 5 am to 10 pm, despite earning only about $500 a month.

Long Workdays and Health Risks

Ride-hailing drivers, like Le Duc Kiet, speak of the physical and financial toll of their job. Kiet explained that while the job offers flexible schedules, it also means relying on daily earnings, making health a critical concern. 'When health problems arise, we not only lose income but also have to deal with medical expenses,' he noted.

Female drivers, such as Le Thi Tuyet Hoa, face additional challenges. Despite being seven months pregnant, Hoa continues to drive and even participates in rescue operations, highlighting the risks and sacrifices they endure. She shared, 'As members of the rescue team, we still have to drive and take part in rescue operations every day, regardless of the weather. Previously, I worked for a company for eight years, during which I received full health insurance, compulsory social insurance, and unemployment insurance. But in eight years of driving for ride-hailing platforms, I have never had any of these benefits.'

Call for Better Social Security

These drivers call for comprehensive social security protections, including health insurance, maternity leave, and unemployment benefits. Kiet emphasized that social security is not a privilege but a necessity to ensure financial stability and job security. 'We need to be able to take care of ourselves and our families, and social security is the foundation for that,' he said.

As an expat and coffee shop owner near An Bang beach, I can see firsthand how these challenges affect the community. Many of the drivers who frequent my shop share these concerns, and I believe their stories resonate with us all. The lack of proper social security protections not only affects the drivers but also the broader community, as these individuals are the backbone of our transportation system.