Wage increase brings new year joy to workers

In the early days of the new year, the working atmosphere at industrial parks across Dong Nai province has become more vibrant as large numbers of workers receive good news about enterprises adjusting regional minimum wages. This undertaking is viewed as a significant encouragement, helping workers feel more secure and committed to their roles.

Reports from enterprises indicate that average wage increases range from 7 to 10 percent, depending on job position and seniority. Additionally, many companies have increased various allowances to help alleviate the burden on workers amid rising living costs.

Higher wages, greater joy

TKG Taekwang Vina Joint Stock Company, located in Bien Hoa 2 Industrial Park in Tran Bien ward, currently employs more than 34,000 workers. At the beginning of 2026, employees were delighted to learn that the company would raise wages by VND 350,000 per person. In addition, a 3 percent annual basic salary increase will be applied when workers reach their scheduled pay rise in 2026. To help ease workers’ difficulties, the company’s leadership decided to increase the housing allowance by VND 50,000 per person. On the occasion of the 2026 New Year's Eve holiday, all workers also received a bonus of VND 200,000 each. Currently, the starting salary for new workers is approximately VND 5.7 million per month.

Workers of Toan Cau Mechanical Power Co., Ltd. in Trang Bom commune are delighted to receive wage increases from early January 2026. Photo: Nguyen Hoa

Notably, on the first working day of the year, on January 3, the grassroots trade union and company leadership organized a lucky draw for all workers to welcome the New Year 2026. Attractive prizes included one first prize of two maces of gold, three second prizes of one mace of gold each, and 30 third prizes of 0.5 mace of gold each. In addition, the grassroots trade union awarded 1,000 consolation prizes, each consisting of a box of milk. The activity generated excitement among workers on the first day of work of the year, while expressing appreciation for their contributions over the past year.

Nguyen Thi Lan Anh, a worker at TKG Taekwang Vina Joint Stock Company, said that receiving wage increase announcements and joining lucky draws at the start of the year made workers very happy. “With higher income, I feel more secure at work and can better take care of my family and children. In 2026, I hope the company will continue to receive more orders, maintain stable production, and ensure jobs, income, and welfare policies for workers,” she shared.

At Freewell Vietnam Co., Ltd., located in Dong Phu commune, company leadership held a meeting with the executive committee of the trade union and agreed to raise the basic salary by VND 250,000 per person per month, while maintaining the existing benefits outlined in the collective labor agreement. This undertaking demonstrates the enterprise’s commitment to supporting workers' livelihoods and ensuring peace of mind in the production process. The company hopes that workers will remain committed, continue to improve productivity and performance, and join the enterprise in overcoming challenges to secure more orders in 2026.

In addition to wage increases, some enterprises have enhanced other benefits to retain workers. At Shing Mark Vina Co., Ltd. in An Vien commune, alongside a wage increase of nearly VND 400,000 per person per month for all employees, starting from January 2026, workers who have completed one year of service will receive an additional seniority bonus of VND 100,000 per person, which will continue to accumulate in subsequent years. Previously, the company raised attendance bonuses to encourage discipline and work ethic. Currently, employees who have not yet signed labor contracts receive a basic salary of more than VND 5.3 million per month; after signing contracts, this is adjusted to VND 5.7 million per month.

Stronger motivation for workers

The new year wage increase has created an upbeat and optimistic working atmosphere at many factories across the province. Not only workers, but enterprises themselves also view wage increases as necessary to retain employees and stabilize production after the Tet holiday. According to businesses, raising wages at the beginning of the year demonstrates their willingness to share difficulties with workers and help ensure minimum living standards. Improved income gives workers greater motivation, contributing to higher productivity and business efficiency.

Nguyen Sy Nguyen, Executive Manager of Toan Cau Mechanical Power Co., Ltd. in Trang Bom commune, said that immediately after learning about the proposal to raise the regional minimum wage, the company proactively developed a plan to increase wages by an average of VND 400,000 per worker. The company currently has orders secured through 2026 and guarantees stable employment. It hopes workers will remain dedicated, promote initiatives and creativity, and work together for sustainable development.

Higher wages mean a more stable income, allowing workers to feel secure at work and better care for their families.

Tran Van Hung, a worker at Bien Hoa 2 Industrial Park, shared that before the New Year holiday, he and many of his colleagues were informed of a basic salary increase of VND 280,000 per month, which raised his monthly income to more than VND 6.8 million. This positive news gave him the motivation to commit to the enterprise for the long term. “Workers who live far from their hometown are always worried about rising rent and living expenses. If wages do not ensure a basic standard of living, it is very difficult for workers,” he said.

According to Decree No. 293/2025/ND-CP, the regional minimum wage will increase by an average of approximately 7.2 percent as of January 1, 2026, compared to 2025. The increase ranges from VND 250,000 to VND 350,000 per month, depending on the region. Specifically, Region I will rise by VND 350,000, Region II by VND 320,000, Region III by VND 280,000, and Region IV by VND 250,000.

According to a report by the Provincial Department of Home Affairs, ahead of the effective date of Decree No. 293/2025/ND-CP, the department coordinated with relevant agencies to conduct a rapid survey of 200 enterprises representing various sectors and economic components across the province. Results show that 90 percent of enterprises completed plans to adjust regional minimum wages, with common increases ranging from 7 to 10 percent. Notably, many enterprises not only raised the wage floor but also adjusted higher salary levels to maintain reasonable seniority gaps.

The fact that minimum wage increases meet or exceed the Government-regulated rate of 7.2 percent reflects enterprises’ goodwill in sharing difficulties with workers. The remaining 10 percent of enterprises surveyed did not need new adjustment plans as they already applied basic wages significantly higher than the newly regulated minimum. However, these enterprises are still committed to reviewing periodic adjustments under collective labor agreements in the first quarter of 2026.

Raising the regional minimum wage not only directly improves the livelihoods of millions of households but also generates a ripple effect across the labor market. This initiative is a positive signal that contributes to fostering harmonious labor relations and promoting socio-economic development in the new year. At the same time, it provides timely encouragement, helping workers feel more secure in their jobs and reducing job-hopping and labor shortages after the Tet holiday.

By Nguyen Hoa – Translated by Thuc Oanh, Minho