Part 1: Strengthening social security policies, building full trust in pursuing a career

Part 2: Expanding welfare, supporting workers

Going beyond the timely provision of "Trade Union (TU) Shelters" and small-scale "piggy bank" savings programs, support efforts by the Dong Nai TU and the business community are also being translated into direct visits to the grassroots level to identify difficulties in employees' lives and provide timely assistance. This series of practical activities is further strengthening the TU's role, ensuring that it remains close to employees and understands their circumstances.

Although the material value of the various forms of support may vary, they all share a common goal: helping workers ease their difficulties while giving them greater motivation and confidence to continue working and stabilize their lives.

Contributing love, multiplying happiness

Ngan Ly Mui, a worker at Pou Sung Vietnam Co., Ltd. (An Vien Commune), recently experienced great joy when the grassroots TU and the company presented her with a new house in August. "For workers in difficult circumstances like me, a solid house is not only an asset but also a dream nurtured over many years. Now that dream has come true, and I am deeply moved and grateful," said Mui.

Representatives of the TU at Pou Sung Vietnam Co., Ltd. in An Vien Commune coordinate with the company's leaders to present a TU Shelter to a TU member facing difficult circumstances.

During the 2020–2025 period, TU organizations at all levels supported the construction and repair of more than 320 TU Shelters for members in difficult circumstances, with total funding of more than 20 billion VND. Le Nhat Truong, Chairman of the grassroots TU at Pou Sung Vietnam Co., Ltd., said that to date, the grassroots TU has presented 47 shelters to employees facing housing difficulties. "Timely support from the TU sometimes becomes a turning point, giving a worker's family an opportunity to begin a more stable life," Truong said.

The model has been replicated across many businesses. Through the joint efforts of TU organizations at all levels, businesses, and members, many homes have been built or repaired, helping workers secure more stable living conditions.

One example is Chang Shin Vietnam Co., Ltd. in Tan Trieu Ward, where the grassroots TU has worked with the board of directors since 2002 to build and repair more than 200 "TU Shelters" for members, with a total investment of more than 5.4 billion VND.

At many grassroots TUs, sharing begins with simple actions. "Piggy banks" placed at workplaces or programs dedicated to sharing love and supporting workers in need have helped spread the spirit of mutual assistance. Each member contributes a small amount, but when many join hands, the money becomes a meaningful source of support for colleagues facing hardship.

For instance, over the past three years, employees at Vedan Vietnam Enterprise Corp., Ltd. in Phuoc Thai Commune have made donations to support 21 cases involving employees who unfortunately contracted terminal illnesses and passed away, with an average support of approximately 70 million VND per case. Pham Minh Tung, a worker who has been with the company for more than 30 years, said, "About 10 years ago, I was diagnosed with tongue cancer. It was a huge shock, especially because the treatment costs caused great anxiety for my family and me. Fortunately, I received care and support from the TU and my colleagues. These contributions not only helped me cover medical expenses but also served as a precious source of encouragement. Now that my health has stabilized, I continue to work in the crystallization workshop. I am always grateful to the TU and my colleagues for accompanying me and giving me the strength to overcome my illness."

Some forms of support may not involve large amounts, but they carry great significance because they arrive at the right time. The support may cover medical bills, living expenses during difficult periods, or assistance to help a worker's family overcome a period of hardship. The value of such sharing, therefore, lies not only in the money but also in giving employees the sense that they are not left behind when facing difficulties or crises.

Visiting rental homes to understand workers' lives

One notable change in care activities is that the TU organization is increasingly focusing on reaching the grassroots level and seeking out employees rather than simply waiting for members to come to them. From rental areas and companies with large workforces to areas still facing many difficulties, TU officials meet with, visit, and directly listen to employees about their circumstances and concerns. Such visits provide practical information for care programs, helping ensure that support reaches the right people, in the right circumstances, and according to their actual needs.

Doan Thi Kim Loan, Vice Chairwoman of the grassroots TU at Chang Shin Vietnam Co., Ltd. in Tan Trieu Ward, said that for workers, the presence of TU officials at their homes or workplaces creates a sense of closeness. Many issues related to employment, income, housing, family life, or difficulties arising in daily life are shared directly. From these everyday stories, the TU has a better basis for proposing appropriate support measures.

Another notable development in TU activities is the expanding scope of support, which now extends beyond employees themselves to their families, particularly their children. For families with limited incomes, each back-to-school season brings a host of additional expenses. Therefore, a scholarship, a set of textbooks, a bicycle, or a "study corner," while not necessarily of significant material value, can help ease part of the financial burden on workers.

The "Study Corners" provided to workers' children by the grassroots TU at Longwell Co., Ltd. in Dau Giay Industrial Park are a clear example of this shift in care methods. Given the reality that many workers' families live in cramped rental rooms without adequate conditions to arrange separate study spaces for their children, the grassroots TU chose a very specific form of support: desks, chairs, lamps, bookshelves, and school supplies, helping students feel secure as they enter the new school year.

Mai Thi Khanh, one of the workers whose child received a "Study Corner," said, "The new study desk is a very practical gift for my family. Thanks to having a separate study corner, my child has a tidier space for learning. The family also saved some money to cover other expenses for the new school year."

The “Academic Excellence and Good Conduct” movement is also a notable initiative in Dong Nai, empowering and encouraging students who achieve strong results in their studies and personal development. In 2026 alone, nearly 7,500 children of workers, civil servants, and laborers across the city were honored with the “Academic Excellence and Good Conduct” movement. These figures reflect not only the children's academic achievements but also a new approach to care activities. Behind every worker is a family, and behind every hour of work are concerns about their children's education, daily lives, and future.

The Resolution of the 1st Dong Nai Provincial (now City) TU Congress for the 2025–2030 term states that efforts should continue to improve the effectiveness of caring for members, workers, civil servants, and laborers, while representing and protecting their legitimate rights and interests. In terms of organizational development, greater focus must be placed on the grassroots level, with closer engagement with grassroots units, stronger digital transformation in TU activities, and the development of a contingent of TU officials capable of meeting the demands of the new situation.

Health checkups, health consultations, and cultural and artistic activities help meet employees' long-term needs for health care and spiritual well-being. At many programs organized by the TU, employees receive general health checkups and consultations, specialized examinations for female workers, and screening tests. In addition, sports activities such as football, volleyball, and pickleball tournaments provide opportunities for workers to exercise, relieve stress after work, and strengthen bonds among colleagues.

The practical actions undertaken by TU organizations at all levels are contributing to the effective implementation of the action program for the Resolution of the 1st Dong Nai Provincial (now City) Party Congress for the 2025-2030 term on the synchronous and effective development of the social security system, improvement of social welfare, and enhancement of people’s quality of life, including employees. Through these efforts, the TU organization reaffirms its role as a reliable companion to workers, building trust so that employees can feel secure and remain committed to their jobs. To consolidate and spread that trust, in the coming period, TU organizations at all levels must continue to reform their operating methods, bringing care policies closer to the actual rhythm of employees' lives in Dong Nai.

By Nguyen Hoa, Thu Ngoc – Translated by Minh Hong, Minho

Final Part: Supporting workers on new journey