Improving quality of life for workers

Dong Nai is one of the country's major industrial centers, attracting a large workforce from both within and outside the province. In light of this feature, the trade unions at all levels in Dong Nai province have coordinated with local authorities and businesses to focus on the lives, employment, income, working conditions, and social security of workers.

Through numerous practical programs implemented at the grassroots level, the Trade Union has been making a significant contribution to improving the quality of life for workers.

Paying attention to the jobs and living conditions of workers.

According to a report by the Dong Nai Confederation of Labour, Dong Nai currently has over 1.4 million workers, a significant contributor to the province's annual economic growth. Many young, highly skilled workers play a key role in the rapid application of technology and the development of innovative improvements in production. Currently, the average monthly income of workers is nearly 10 million VND. Over the past three years, many businesses have focused on improving wages and income for their employees to ensure a minimum standard of living.

Provincial Party Committee member, Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of the province, and Chairman of the Dong Nai Confederation of Labour, Nguyen Quoc Dung (far right, standing), along with other trade union officials, participate in a trade union meal with workers. Photo: Nguyen Hoa

At VRG Dongwha MDF Joint Stock Company (Minh Hung Ward, Dong Nai Province), there are currently nearly 400 employees, with an average monthly income of approximately 27 million VND per person, representing a 26.4% increase compared to the beginning of the term. Over the past three years, the Trade Union and the company have implemented various welfare initiatives, such as raising the mid-shift meal allowance from 33,000 VND to 40,000 VND, providing two boxes of milk per person per shift, supplying personal protective equipment at a total cost of 3.4 billion VND, and offering hazardous work allowances totaling approximately 2.8 billion VND.

In support of workers’ livelihoods, during the 2023–2025 term, the Dong Nai Provincial Trade Union at all levels has carried out numerous innovative initiatives with a strong focus on the grassroots level, aiming to provide practical support for union members and workers. These efforts include social activities, welfare support, assistance for workers facing hardship or affected by workplace accidents or occupational illnesses, and commendations for outstanding achievements in labor and production, thereby generating widespread positive impact. Many workers have clearly felt the companionship and support of the Trade Union organization during their most difficult times.

Tran Le Ha Thu, who works at the Tam Phuoc Industrial Park in Dong Nai province, said: "There were times when the company I work for experienced a decrease in orders, affecting the income of the workers. However, the Trade Union negotiated with the company to avoid layoffs and provided support to help workers overcome difficulties. Thanks to the timely attention of the Trade Union, I feel comforted, secure in my work, and committed to the company in the long term."

In response to the impact of natural disasters, storms, and floods in the northern and central provinces during the last months of 2025, many grassroots trade unions provided support to the families of union members and workers who suffered losses due to the storms and floods.

Doan Thi Kim Loan, Vice President of the Trade Union of Changshin Vietnam Co., Ltd. (in Tan Trieu ward), said: "The trade union understands and shares the difficulties that workers are facing due to the storms and floods, and is providing timely support. We hope that today's support will give workers more motivation to overcome the consequences and stabilize their lives soon with confidence," Loan added.

In addition to caring for the material well-being of workers, the trade unions at all levels in Dong Nai province also focus on improving their spiritual lives. Cultural and artistic activities, sports, skills competitions, legal consultations, and healthcare services are regularly organized, helping workers reduce stress after work and fostering stronger bonds with their businesses and the trade union.

A reliable support system for workers

During the past term, the Dong Nai Provincial Trade Union at all levels actively collaborated with Party committees, authorities, and professional departments to develop regulations, mechanisms, and policies for union members and workers. By monitoring the implementation of labor laws and policies, the Trade Union helped safeguard fundamental workers’ rights, including wages, working hours, rest periods, and stable income. In cases of labor disputes, the Trade Union served as a mediator in dialogues with employers, helping workers protect their voices and rights.

At the same time, the Dong Nai Provincial Trade Union at all levels also stepped up communication efforts to raise workers’ awareness of laws, life skills, and professional skills. Jointly organized training and capacity-building programs have helped workers improve their qualifications, increase labor productivity, and strengthen their adaptability in a constantly evolving labor market.

In the time ahead, continued innovation in operations and more comprehensive, effective care for workers’ lives will serve as the foundation for the Trade Union to help build a stable, progressive workforce that actively contributes to the sustainable development of Dong Nai province and the country as a whole.

Nguyen Quoc Dung, Provincial Party Committee member, Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of the province, and Chairman of the Dong Nai Confederation of Labour

One of the most memorable initiatives by the Trade Union was the successful organization of the warm and meaningful Trade Union Meal Program for union members and workers, leaving a strong impression on them. The meals were thoughtfully arranged, nutritionally balanced, and provided workers with the energy and health needed for their work. In 2025 alone, around 100,000 workers across the province are expected to benefit from the Trade Union Meal Program.

According to Vo Thi Xuan Hang, Chairwoman of the grassroots Trade Union at Elma Vietnam Industrial Co., Ltd. (located in Nhon Trach commune, Dong Nai province), the company currently employs more than 240 workers. In August 2025, the Trade Union Meal Program, valued at 65,000 VND per person, offered added motivation for the workforce. “When sitting together around the table for a meal, employees have the opportunity to chat, listen, and understand each other, creating a sense of unity and closeness like a family,” Hang shared.

Building on the success of the Trade Union Meal Program, during the Lunar New Year of the Horse in 2026, trade unions at all levels in Dong Nai province will organize a year-end trade union meal. This new initiative aims to ensure a complete and fulfilling Tet holiday for union members and workers. Each meal will be valued at 70,000 VND, funded by grassroots trade union budgets, business sponsorships, or social contributions.

Through ongoing efforts, trade unions at all levels in Dong Nai have affirmed their role as a reliable source of support for workers. In all circumstances, trade unions stand alongside workers and connect through various forms to ensure that meaningful and humane activities continue to spread widely from the provincial level to the grassroots. This endeavor enables workers to feel secure in their jobs, dedicate themselves fully, and contribute to the development of increasingly thriving businesses and local communities.

By Nguyen Hoa – Translated by Quoc Dung, Minho