Stabilizing labor relations at year-end

Amidst businesses accelerating production to fulfill year-end and Lunar New Year 2026 orders, the labor relation situation in Dong Nai province is generally stable. This feature is considered a positive sign as many businesses face pressure from orders and the need to retain employees at year-end. In particular, the living standards and employment of union members and employees have improved significantly, making a substantial contribution to the province's socio-economic development.

Stable labor relations contribute to promoting efficient and productive business operations. In the photo: Workers at Vietnam Fortune Technology International Co., Ltd. (Binh Phuoc Ward, Dong Nai Province) are in year-end production race. Photo: N.Hoa

This information was shared by the Provincial Labor Federation (LF) with the inspection team of the Vietnam General Confederation of Labor at a working session on labor relations, workers, and trade unions held on October 9-10.

Maintaining labor stability

According to the provincial Labor Federation, in the first nine months of 2025, Dong Nai recorded three collective labor disputes involving 310 out of 700 workers, a sharp decline compared to the same period in 2024. This data shows a clear downward trend in work stoppages year after year, largely attributed to an increasingly complete labor legal framework; strengthened and more effective inspection, oversight, and dispute resolution mechanisms; and marked improvements in legal compliance by both employers and "employees".

In addition, grassroots trade unions are increasingly asserting their role in understanding the thoughts and aspirations of union members and "employees". Notably, the close coordination between grassroots trade unions and business leaders in enhancing regular dialogue, openly sharing information on production activities, and proactively listening to feedback from "employees" has proven effective. This coordination enables the timely resolution of emerging conflicts, helps prevent collective labor disputes that could lead to strikes, and promotes stable and harmonious labor relations within enterprises.

The labor relations situation in Dong Nai at the end of 2025 is being maintained, reflecting the efforts of businesses, trade unions, and local authorities in accompanying employees. However, to ensure sustainable stability, transparency, dialogue, and practical care must still be continuously maintained in the upcoming peak months.

Vice Chairman of the Vietnam General Confederation of Labour NGO DUY HIEU

Nguyen Quoc Hung, Chairman of the grassroots trade union at Elite Long Thanh Co., Ltd. (Long Thanh commune), said that since 2023, labor relations and production-business operations at the company have remained stable. The company currently employs nearly 4,000 "employees", with secure jobs and no staff cuts or production disruptions. The average monthly salary is 8.2 million VND, together with other allowances. In September, the grassroots trade union negotiated and signed a collective labor agreement that included many favorable terms for "employees". Each quarter, the trade union and the company hold open and democratic dialogues with "employees", helping to build trust. As a result, the workforce feels secure in their jobs and is motivated to produce quality products for the company.

Strengthening propaganda work

Following the provincial merger, Dong Nai now has 2,300 grassroots trade unions representing nearly 800,000 "workers". Drawing lessons from previous collective work stoppages that occurred around Tet, this year the provincial Labor Federation has called on grassroots trade unions in the business sector to strengthen their understanding of the living and working conditions of union members and "employees", and to engage in workplace dialogue to promptly address emerging labor relations issues. In addition, grassroots trade unions are urged to enhance their role in negotiating with business owners on wages and Tet bonuses, and to inform "employees" early so they can feel secure in their work.

To help stabilize the working morale of "employees", the provincial Labor Federation has flexibly utilized communication channels, especially by applying information technology to guide the thinking of union members and "employees". This undertaking includes making use of the union’s Facebook page to disseminate documents and policies related to "employees", enabling them to stay informed, better understand the provisions of the Labor Code and company policies, while also encouraging grassroots trade unions to regularly meet, engage, and share with "employees".

Dinh Sy Phuc, Chairman of the grassroots Trade Union of TKG Taekwang Vina Joint Stock Company (Tran Bien Ward), shared that in the past, the grassroots Union has applied effective operating models to maintain labor stability. This endeavor includes creating channels such as phone, text messages, Zalo, and Facebook to listen to and respond to employees' requests and concerns. Weekly, the trade union organizes dialogues with employees and monthly dialogues with the company's Board of Directors. The Union teams have done a good job of disseminating policies to employees in the production workshops. Thanks to the solidarity of employees, a strength is created that helps the company develop production, and employees have stable jobs and incomes.

At a working session with the Dong Nai trade union on labor relations, "workers", and union activities, Vice Chairman of the Vietnam General Confederation of Labour of Labor, Ngo Duy Hieu, praised the outstanding achievements of the Dong Nai trade union in recent years, particularly its efforts in building comprehensive and stable labor relations. Communication efforts and the grasp of "employees’" thoughts and concerns have been practical and closely aligned with reality. The care for union members and "employees" has been demonstrated through many effective and well-implemented models. The timely protection of "employees’" rights has also been ensured through the provincial Trade Union Legal Counseling Center.

According to Ngo Duy Hieu, although the current situation is relatively positive, given the wide management scope and large number of "workers" employed both inside and outside industrial zones following the provincial merger, the Dong Nai trade union needs to regularly coordinate with local authorities to closely monitor developments in labor relations. Proactive dialogue and year-end welfare support are considered essential to maintaining stability. All levels of the Dong Nai trade union should adapt to new working models. Each union official must stay closely connected to the grassroots, intensify communication efforts, and help "employees" see that, despite a new organizational structure, the work of caring for and protecting their rights continues to be carried out effectively and in full.

Ngo Duy Hieu particularly noted that Trade Unions at all levels should carry out diverse activities to care for union members and employees during Tet, especially those in difficult circumstances, such as those who have not returned home for Tet for many years or who have lost their jobs at the end of the year. "The period from now until the Lunar New Year 2026 is a sensitive time, prone to disputes if businesses do not fulfill their commitments or there are sudden changes in salaries, bonuses, and overtime policies. Therefore, the role of the Trade Union is very important in propaganda and stabilizing labor relations," Hieu emphasized.

By Thao My – Translated by Mai Nga, Minho