Workers express high hopes on new year

As 2026 begins, hundreds of thousands of workers employed at industrial parks across Dong Nai are entering the new year with strong expectations for stable jobs, improved incomes and a better quality of spiritual life.

Workers of Global Power Mechanical Co., Ltd. in Trang Bom commune resume production at the beginning of the year. Photo: Nguyen Hoa

Workers hope that enterprises will secure abundant orders and maintain steady production and business activities in order to ensure sustainable employment. At the same time, they expect local authorities at all levels and Trade Unions in Dong Nai to pay greater attention to the lives of migrant workers.

Expectations for stable income and sustainable jobs

As a locality attracting around 1.4 million workers from various provinces and cities, Dong Nai in recent years has seen authorities at all levels, along with the business community and Trade Unions, devote special attention to social welfare for employees. Practical and effective policies have gradually improved workers’ living standards, enabling them to feel secure in their jobs. Currently, the average income stands at about 10 million VND per person per month. In the first days of the the Lunar New Year, workers returned to Dong Nai in large numbers, bringing with them a sense of optimism and renewed commitment.

Many workers noted that long-term job security remains their top priority. For most migrant laborers, income from their jobs is not only a means of livelihood but also the foundation for supporting their families. Tran Thi Nga, a native of Phu Tho province, who has worked in Dong Nai for 14 years, said: “In the new year, we hope for stable jobs and regular income to take care of our children and our lives away from home. Being able to go to work every day gives me the greatest sense of peace and happiness.”

Indeed, the new year opens up fresh expectations. For Dong Nai’s workers, this is not merely a desire for higher income but also an aspiration for a stable life, respect at the workplace and long-term attachment to Dong Nai, which many now consider their second home.

In addition, workers expressed hopes that in 2026, life away from their hometowns will improve further and that occupational safety and hygiene conditions will be ensured. Continuous employment and sufficient income not only provide economic security but also serve as a strong incentive for workers to remain committed to their enterprises and the locality.

Pham Thi Ly, a worker at Saitex International Dong Nai Co., Ltd. in Amata Industrial Park, Dong Nai province, noted that in 2025 the company maintained stable production and implemented various welfare policies for employees. “Entering 2026, I hope the company will continue to grow and secure more orders so that workers’ incomes can increase. For us, sufficient income not only ensures financial stability but also motivates long-term dedication to the company,” she said.

Beyond basic expectations for stable jobs and adequate income, many workers also look to enterprises to maintain steady order pipeline, which are key to sustaining and expanding long-term welfare policies. Bonuses, allowances, support for rental housing, fuel and childcare, along with other practical assistance, have significantly contributed to improving workers’ living standards and easing the burden of making ends meet far from home.

Hopes for more social welfare policies

Amid rising living and rental costs, workers are paying close attention to social welfare policies from provincial authorities, enterprises and Trade Unions. In reality, a segment of workers, particularly those from other provinces, continues to face numerous hardships. Moreover, social infrastructure facilities serving workers’ daily needs such as cultural centers, medical stations, schools and childcare facilities near industrial parks has yet to fully meet growing demand.

Besides, housing remains a major concern for many migrant workers. According to a survey by the Dong Nai Provincial Federation of Labor (DPFL), the province currently has around 150,000 rental rooms, accommodating approximately 450,000 workers, while overall demand for housing remains substantial. Many workers hope to access social housing projects for low-income earners to secure stable accommodation, reduce rental pressure and create conditions for long-term settlement and career development.

Nguyen Thi May, a worker at Bien Hoa 2 Industrial Park, shared that she and her family have lived for years in cramped rented rooms in Long Binh ward. Therefore, beyond stable employment, she hopes for access to affordable housing. “In 2025, Dong Nai started construction on several housing projects, and workers are placing high expectations on them. If there are rental or purchase options at more reasonable prices, workers will be able to ease the burden of rent and feel more secure in raising their children,” she said.

Accompanying workers in their daily lives, Trade Unions have consistently paid attention to their welfare to help them focus on production. Through programs such as providing bus tickets home for Tet, presenting gifts to disadvantaged workers and building “Trade Union Shelters,” many employees have felt genuine care and solidarity. According to Standing Vice Chairwoman of the DPFL Bui Thi Bich Thuy, care activities for Trade Union members and workers during the Lunar New Year 2026 were implemented widely, practically and compassionately. During the peak period before Tet, Trade Unions at all levels presented 80,000 gift packages and 3,000 free bus tickets to help disadvantaged workers return home for family reunions.

Looking ahead to 2026, Bui Thi Bich Thuy emphasized that Trade Unions expect members and workers to maintain their industrious spirit. In particular, workers are encouraged to promote dynamism and creativity and to actively participate in emulation movements from the very first days of the year in order to fulfill production and business targets and contribute to the province’s development. Trade Unions at all levels have pledged to stand alongside workers in safeguarding employment and improving living standards, not only during Tet but throughout their continued working journeys.

By Nguyen Hoa – Translated by M.Nguyet, Thu Ha