Trade Union members, workers pin hopes on Provincial Trade Union Congress

The First Congress of the Dong Nai Provincial Trade Union for the 2025–2030 term is a significant event, marking a major transition for the trade union organization following the implementation of the policy on restructuring provincial-level administrative units and the introduction of the two-tier trade union model in the new context.

Provincial Party Committee member, Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of Dong Nai province, Chairman of the Labour Federation of Dong Nai province, Nguyen Quoc Dung, presents gifts to workers affected by storms and floods. Photo: Thao My

With strong confidence in the congress, officials, union members, and workers place their full expectations on a new term marked by innovation, creativity, and practical solutions from the Trade Union to protect workers' rights and ensure sustainable employment.

Expectations for improved living standards

In recent days, the atmosphere surrounding the First Provincial Trade Union Congress of Dong Nai has spread widely among union members and workers across the province’s industrial zones. An encouraging sign is that by the end of 2025, many enterprises will have secured numerous orders, ensuring stable employment and implementing effective reward programs. In addition, several companies have announced their salary and Lunar New Year bonus policies early, creating motivation for workers to boost productivity and enter 2026 with positive expectations.

Looking back over the past three years, thanks to the attention of Party committees, authorities, trade unions at all levels, and the business community, the living standards of union members and workers in Dong Nai have significantly improved, and social welfare has been better ensured. Moreover, the implementation of resolutions has been effectively integrated into workers’ daily lives. Union members and workers highly appreciate the efforts of the provincial trade union in improving livelihoods, stabilizing employment, and increasing incomes. These achievements have reinforced workers’ trust in the Trade Union.

Le Hoang Dinh Hung, a worker at Minh Thanh Co., Ltd. (Trang Dai ward), stated that in recent years, grassroots trade unions and enterprises have implemented numerous effective policies to enhance workers’ quality of life. However, many workers still face hardships. Hung hopes the Trade Union will further expand practical welfare activities that are closely aligned with workers’ actual needs, especially for migrant workers.

Many issues related to social security continue to be a significant concern for workers. Nguyen Thi Le, a worker at a wood-processing company in Tam Phuoc ward, Dong Nai province, noted that problems such as enterprises owing social insurance contributions and unpaid wages to workers persist. Therefore, workers hope that trade unions at all levels will adopt practical solutions to safeguard their legitimate rights and interests. The Trade Union also needs to maintain close engagement at the grassroots level to listen to workers’ concerns, thoughts, and aspirations.

Beyond welfare, Trade Union members hope that the Trade Union will continue to affirm its role as a representative and protector of workers’ rights, especially by improving workplace dialogue and strengthening the role of grassroots trade unions in collective bargaining and in signing of collective labour agreements with terms favorable to workers.

Confidence in the new term

Dong Nai is home to a large industrial workforce concentrated in major industrial zones. As such, stable employment, wages, income, and welfare remain top priorities for trade union members and workers. Many workers have expressed hope that congress will continue to introduce concrete solutions to improve incomes and expand welfare programs for union members, including nurseries for workers’ children, cultural facilities, emergency assistance, and a safe and sustainable working environment.

With the attention of Party committees at all levels, the government, and the efforts of the Trade Union, the First Dong Nai Provincial Trade Union Congress is expected to usher in a new phase of development, contributing to the building of a stronger working class. This undertaking will motivate workers to continue upholding their patriotic tradition, actively engaging in productive labour, and contributing their intellect and efforts to building Dong Nai into a green, prosperous, civilized, and modern province.

Besides, housing remains a top concern for workers. A survey by the Labour Federation of Dong Nai province shows that around 450,000 workers in the province will have housing needs by 2025. Most workers are placing high expectations on newly launched projects, especially social housing initiatives, which are expected to introduce more flexible mechanisms and policies to support workers in renting or purchasing homes at preferential prices. This undertaking would help them settle down with peace of mind, build stable livelihoods, and maintain long-term attachment to the locality. Meanwhile, cultural facilities remain a “missing piece” in the spiritual life of workers in industrial zones.

Given this reality, trade union members and workers hope the Trade Union will stay closely connected to the grassroots level to fully grasp the overall picture of workers’ living conditions and develop long-term care policies.

Le Nhat Truong, Chairman of the grassroots Trade Union of Pou Sung Vietnam Co., Ltd. in An Vien commune and a delegate to the First Dong Nai Provincial Trade Union Congress, said: “I trust in the orientations that will be set by the 1st Provincial Trade Union Congress. This endeavor will be an important foundation for the Dong Nai Trade Union to continue developing strongly, strengthening the bond between workers, enterprises, and the locality, and serving as a center of unity and stability in labour relations.”

The trust and expectations placed by officials, trade union members, and workers form a solid foundation for the Dong Nai Provincial Trade Union to introduce breakthrough policies that are closely aligned with the realities of workers’ lives. It is hoped that the union’s renewed policies and solutions will deliver tangible benefits to the workforce. The trust of union members and workers is the driving force that will empower the Dong Nai Provincial Trade Union to enter the new term with greater stability, responsibility, and creativity.

By Thao My – Translated by Thu Hien, Minho