Workers hope for higher wages, stable prices

Many workers in Dong Nai are enthusiastic about the news that, starting January 1, 2026, the regional minimum wage will be adjusted upward. However, the joy of a wage increase is often accompanied by concerns over price control, especially for essential goods, which tend to rise shortly afterward.

People shop at a retail outlet in Tran Bien ward.

To ensure that real income is not eroded, many have suggested that the State continue to intervene and regulate the prices of essential goods to prevent market prices from rising in tandem with wages.

Excited about better income

The adjustment of the regional minimum wage has become a growing concern among workers across the province. According to Decree No. 293/2025/ND-CP, effective from January 1, 2026, the regional minimum wage for workers employed under labor contracts will increase by between 250,000 and 350,000 VND per month, representing an average rise of 7.2 percent compared to the current level. Specifically, under the new regional minimum wage, the rates are as follows: Region I, 5,310,000 VND/month; Region II, 4,730,000 VND/month; Region III, 4,140,000 VND/month; and Region IV, 3,700,000 VND/month.

This increase in the minimum wage is expected to help workers have more resources to cover the increasing cost of living. According to statistics, Dong Nai currently has about 1.4 million workers, most of whom work in industrial zones and are the group directly affected by the minimum wage policy.

Expressing her joy at the news that her salary will increase in the near future, Tran Nhu Lan (worker at Amata Industrial Park) shared: “I am thrilled to hear that the minimum wage will increase. With the current cost of rent and living, an increase of a few hundred thousand VND per month is significant to my family.”

Tran Van Tien (Ho Nai Industrial Park) said: “According to the zoning, my current workplace will fall under Region I. With the new adjustment, the monthly minimum wage will increase by 350,000 VND. The increase is not substantial, but it gives me more peace of mind, especially when it comes to taking care of my children or preparing for unexpected illness.”

Phan Thi Hong Tram (Bau Xeo Industrial Park) shared that she works close to home, so she doesn’t have to pay rent. However, her family’s monthly living expenses and education costs for two children are significant. “When the minimum wage is adjusted, we feel the State’s concern. The wage increase will help me have more money to support my family. When life improves, workers are more mentally stable and more committed to their workplace.”

Fear of "escalating" prices

Although the excitement is evident, many workers expressed concern that consumer prices will also increase, and that the increased income will only be enough to compensate for the price increase, leaving life unchanged.

Tram shared: “After the recent storms, for nearly two weeks now I’ve noticed rising prices of essential items such as vegetables, sea fish, and others. Every time I go to the market, I have to carefully consider whether to buy this or cut back on that to stay within my family’s budget. In addition to hoping for higher wages, workers also want a stable market. Only then can we truly benefit from the wage increase policy.”

To help stabilize prices, in recent months, relevant departments, sectors, and units in the province have implemented various measures to ensure price stability for essential goods and services. Most recently, the Provincial People's Committee issued Plan No. 119/KH-UBND on ensuring the balance of supply and demand for essential goods during the Lunar New Year (Tet) 2026. This effort aims to help stabilize prices, ensure adequate supply, and meet public demand at the end of 2025 and during the Lunar New Year, while also responding to fluctuations in fuel supply.

According to the Department of Industry and Trade, the province’s consumer price index (CPI) in October 2025 increased by 0.09% compared to the previous month, 3.1% compared to the same period last year, and 3.41% compared to the average of the same period the prior year. The food and catering services category rose due to increased consumer demand and the impact of storms in the northern and central provinces, which have limited supply.

Regarding commodity prices, many workers have proposed that the government strictly manage consumer prices. “The wage increase policy is incredible, but if prices are not controlled, workers will still suffer. I hope the government considers price stabilization measures, especially for essential goods, to avoid the situation of ‘following the flow’ whenever wages rise. There should be stronger inspections and strict penalties for unreasonable price hikes,” suggested Nguyen Van Son, who works at Loc An – Binh Son Industrial Park in Nhon Trach Commune.

List of localities in Dong Nai province where the minimum wage will apply from January 1, 2026:

- Region I includes wards: Bien Hoa, Tran Bien, Tam Hiep, Long Binh, Trang Dai, Ho Nai, Long Hung, Binh Loc, Bao Vinh, Xuan Lap, Long Khanh, Hang Gon, Tan Trieu, Phuoc Tan, Tam Phuoc and communes: Dai Phuoc, Nhon Trach, Phuoc An, Phuoc Thai, Long Phuoc, Binh An, Long Thanh, An Phuoc, An Vien, Binh Minh, Trang Bom, Bau Ham, Hung Thinh, Dau Giay, Gia Kiem, Thong Nhat, Xuan Duong, Xuan Dong, Xuan Dinh, Xuan Phu, Xuan Loc, Xuan Hoa, Xuan Thanh, Xuan Bac, Tri An, Tan An, Phu Ly.

- Region II includes wards: Minh Hung, Chon Thanh, Dong Xoai, Binh Phuoc and communes: Xuan Que, Cam My, Song Ray, La Nga, Dinh Quan, Phu Vinh, Phu Hoa, Ta Lai, Nam Cat Tien, Tan Phu, Phu Lam, Nha Bich, Tan Quan, Thuan Loi, Dong Tam, Tan Loi, Dong Phu, Dak Lua, Thanh Son.

- Region III includes the wards: Binh Long, An Loc, Phuoc Binh, Phuoc Long and the communes: Tan Hung, Tan Khai, Minh Duc, Loc Thanh, Loc Ninh, Loc Hung, Loc Tan, Loc Thanh, Loc Quang, Tan Tien, Binh Tan, Long Ha, Phu Rieng, Phu Trung.

- Region IV includes the remaining communes and wards.

By Kim Lieu - Translated by Quoc Dung, Minho