A reliable pillar of support for workers

Dong Nai is home to more than 2,300 grassroots trade unions with over 750,000 union members. Over the years, the city's trade union system has consistently worked alongside employees, safeguarding jobs, improving living standards and protecting the legitimate rights and interests of union members and workers.

Nguyen Quoc Dung (right), Chairman of the Dong Nai City Labour Federation (DNLF), talks with workers shopping for price-stabilised goods at the 2026 Workers' Health Festival organized by the federation.

Beyond serving as the representative organization of workers, trade unions have also become a trusted source of support, giving workers greater confidence to remain committed to their enterprises and contribute to the city's long-term development.

Supporting workers through practical initiatives

With a large industrial workforce, improving workers' living conditions has become an increasingly important task. In response, the Dong Nai Trade Union (DNTU) has continuously renewed its operations, placing union members and employees at the centre of all activities.

Through initiatives such as Tet Reunion, Workers' Month, Trade Union Shelter and Trade Union Meal, together with legal counselling, health check-ups and assistance for disadvantaged workers, the trade union has sought to improve both the material and spiritual well-being of employees.

The representative role of trade unions has also been strengthened through collective bargaining and the signing of collective labour agreements. Trade unions regularly participate in workplace dialogues and monitor the implementation of policies on wages, social insurance, occupational safety and hygiene, and other labour-related issues. When workers' legitimate rights are protected and support is readily available in times of difficulty, they can work with greater peace of mind and remain committed to their employers and the locality.

Every welfare programme, every dialogue and every effort to safeguard workers' legitimate rights helps strengthen trust and reinforce the bond between employees, enterprises and trade unions. The presence of trade union officials throughout workers' professional and personal lives has become a dependable source of support for union members across Dong Nai.

According to Hoang Van Hue, Chairman of the grassroots Trade Union of Thien Long Long Thanh Manufacturing Trading Co., Ltd. in Long Thanh ward, improving employee welfare and working conditions is always the union's top priority. The company's collective labour agreement provides a range of benefits, including a VND300,000 bonus for every employee during major holidays and Tet, a monthly childcare allowance of VND100,000 for each child under six years old, financial assistance of up to VND50 million for employees suffering from serious illnesses, and 24/24 accident insurance for all employees from their first day of work. "When workers receive better care, the company also benefits from a more stable workforce and higher labour productivity," Hue said.

For employees facing financial hardship, occupational accidents, serious illnesses or job loss, trade unions at all levels have mobilized resources to provide timely assistance, helping them overcome difficult periods. Trade union houses, gifts and financial assistance reflect not only material support but also the care and responsibility of the trade union organization towards its members. These practical actions demonstrate that workers' trust is built not through slogans but through meaningful and tangible support.

Le Thi Hien, an employee of Dona Pacific (Vietnam) Co., Ltd. in Binh Minh commune, said she has remained with the company not only because of stable employment but also because of steadily improving welfare benefits. "Thanks to effective negotiations by the trade union, our rights are well protected and we enjoy stable jobs and incomes. More importantly, the grassroots trade union is always there to support employees facing difficulties. That is what strengthens my trust in and commitment to the trade union," she said.

Building lasting trust

Alongside the growth of the digital economy, the DNTU is gradually modernizing its operations by applying digital technology to strengthen connections with union members, deliver information more efficiently and improve service quality. The development of a digital trade union model enables workers to access trade union services more conveniently while enhancing interaction between the organization and its members.

The DNLF honors outstanding workers in 2026. Photo: Nguyen Hoa

At the same time, efforts to recruit new members and establish grassroots trade unions have continued to achieve positive results, expanding the organization’s representative network and extending support to workers in enterprises across the city. This growth reflects not only increasing membership but also the credibility and appeal of the trade union among the workforce. Trade unions at all levels are also focusing on improving the quality of grassroots trade union activities, recognizing them as the foundation for better protecting the legitimate rights and interests of union members.

Duong Hoang An, Chairman of the grassroots Trade Union of Jason Furniture Vietnam Co., Ltd. in Dong Xoai III Industrial Park, Binh Phuoc ward, said he has served as a trade union official since 2012 and has become a trusted advocate and dedicated trade union representative for nearly 6,000 employees at the company.

According to An, building harmonious labour relations begins with placing workers' interests first. Guided by that principle, he regularly listens to employees' concerns and uses their feedback as the basis for negotiations with the company on improving wages, policies and welfare benefits. His dedication, sense of responsibility and effective communication have helped ensure that many legitimate proposals raised by workers have been accepted by the company, further strengthening employees' confidence in the trade union.

As living costs continue to rise while many workers' incomes remain modest, every policy that brings tangible benefits carries special significance. Against this backdrop, the DNTU continues to reaffirm its role as a trusted representative of employees. Through constant innovation, a strong grassroots focus and practical support for union members, it has helped foster trust while contributing to a stable, progressive and humane working environment.

According to Bui Thi Bich Thuy, Vice Chairwoman of the DNLF, for the trade union to truly serve as a reliable pillar of support for workers in the new stage of development, it must do more than provide short-term welfare programmes.

"What matters is its ability to stand alongside workers over the long term by protecting their legitimate rights, improving their quality of life and creating the conditions for them to work with confidence and creativity. When trust is built through concrete actions, the trade union will truly serve as a common home and a reliable pillar of support for millions of union members and workers across Dong Nai," she said.

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