High expectations for Vietnam Trade Union Congress

The 14th Vietnam Trade Union Congress for the 2026–2031 term is a major political event for the Trade Union organization and the workforce of workers, public employees, and employees. It marks an important milestone, ushering in a new phase of development for the Trade Union amid the current context.

A grassroots Trade Union official in Dong Nai provides comments on the draft political report to be submitted to the 14th Vietnam Trade Union Congress.

In anticipation of the 14th Vietnam Trade Union Congress, Trade Union officials, members, and employees in Dong Nai have expressed high expectations for the Trade Union organization.

Expectations for improving the lives of employees

Observations at units, and enterprises across Dong Nai indicate that Trade Union officials and members expect the congress to put forward practical and effective solutions to enhance the quality of Trade Union activities and better safeguard the material and spiritual well-being of employees. The Trade Union organization needs to continue promoting its role as a reliable pillar for its members and employees.

Duong Cong Khue, a Trade Union member at Global Powersports Manufacturing Incorporation in Trang Bom ward, said that amid rising living costs and the rapid advancement of automation and digital transformation, he expects the 14th Vietnam Trade Union Congress to adopt practical and effective solutions. The upcoming resolutions will focus on workers’ practical and immediate needs to generate sustainable jobs. He also called for greater attention to social welfare policies, including social housing, childcare facilities, schools for workers' children, and healthcare support programs, bringing practical value to Trade Union members and employees.

The 14th Vietnam Trade Union Congress for the 2026–2031 term will be held in Hanoi from June 3 to 5, with the participation of 780 delegates representing nearly 10 million Trade Union members nationwide. The congress will review and assess the implementation of the Vietnam Trade Union Congress Resolution for the 2023–2026 term, set out objectives, tasks, and breakthrough measures for the new term, and elect the Executive Committee of the Vietnam General Confederation of Labor for the 14th term.

Nguyen Thi Lan, an employee of Pou Chen Vietnam Enterprise Ltd. in Bien Hoa ward, said, “I hope the congress will adopt new policies to further improve benefits for Trade Union members while creating favorable conditions for employees to pursue training, enhance their skills, and secure stable employment and income. In particular, there should be free vocational training and career transition programs to support older workers and those affected by technological changes, helping them adapt to new requirements and quickly regain stable employment.”

Le Thi Ha, a worker at a wood processing enterprise in Tam Phuoc ward, expressed concern about the protection of the lawful rights and legitimate interests of employees. According to Ha, delays in wage payments and outstanding social insurance contributions at some enterprises continue to occur, directly affecting workers' livelihoods, rights, and job security. She expressed hope that the Trade Union organization will continue to strengthen its supervisory role, speaking up in a timely manner and offering effective solutions to protect workers' rights, thereby contributing to harmonious labor relations within enterprises.

Strengthening grassroots activities

Many Trade Union officials and members expressed their hope that higher-level Trade Union organizations will continue to pay close attention to the grassroots level, regularly providing guidance, support, and capacity-building programs for grassroots Trade Union officials, particularly those working in non-state enterprises. When Trade Union officials are equipped with comprehensive legal knowledge, effective dialogue and collective bargaining skills, and the ability to address issues arising in labor relations, they can more effectively represent and protect the rights and interests of employees in their engagement with employers.

In addition, with the support of higher-level Trade Union organizations, grassroots Trade Union activities are expected to become more effective, contributing to improved incomes, better working conditions, and enhanced welfare benefits for employees. This will help strengthen members' trust in the Trade Union organization and help foster greater pride among employees in being members of the Vietnam Trade Union.

Le Nhat Truong, Chairman of the grassroots Trade Union at Pou Sung Vietnam Co., Ltd. in An Vien commune, said that with a workforce of nearly 17,000 employees, he expects the 14th Vietnam Trade Union Congress to introduce breakthrough policies and solutions that are closely aligned with practical realities and better respond to the needs and aspirations of workers in the current period. He emphasized that, amid changes to the Trade Union organizational model, Trade Union organizations at all levels should continue to innovate their content and methods of operation to ensure greater practicality and closer engagement with members and employees. He also expressed hope that more attention will be given to organizing cultural and recreational activities that enrich the spiritual lives of workers and contribute to fostering stronger ties between Trade Union members, their organizations, and enterprises.

As a delegate from Dong Nai set to attend the 14th Vietnam Trade Union Congress, Pham Trung Thuyen, Chairman of the grassroots Trade Union at Vedan Vietnam Enterprise Corp., Ltd. in Phuoc Thai commune, said that after studying the draft political report to be presented at the 14th Vietnam Trade Union Congress, he found that its content closely reflects the realities of workers' lives and clearly demonstrates the role and responsibility of the Trade Union organization in the new phase. He expressed hope that the congress will place greater emphasis on training and capacity-building programs for Trade Union officials, promote digital transformation in Trade Union activities, and expand dialogue mechanisms to better listen to and address the concerns and aspirations of employees.

The opinions, aspirations, and expectations of Trade Union officials and members provide an important source of information for the congress to study, deliberate, and formulate objectives and tasks that are closely aligned with practical realities. They also serve as a driving force for the Trade Union organization to continue innovating, developing, and further affirming its role in accompanying and supporting employees in the new era. With strong confidence and high expectations, Trade Union officials and members believe that the 14th Vietnam Trade Union Congress will be a success, ushering in a new phase of development for the Trade Union organization and better meeting members and employees’ aspirations.

By Nguyen Hoa – Translated by Minh Hong, Thu Ha