Where workers face hardship, trade union is there

In recent years, despite growing employment opportunities and improving incomes, many workers in Dong Nai have continued to face challenges in living conditions, employment stability, housing, and social welfare. During such difficult times, the Trade Union has reaffirmed its role as a reliable pillar of support, standing alongside workers through practical and meaningful actions.

A representative of the Dong Nai City Labor Federation presents gifts to workers in need. Photo: Nguyen Hoa

According to the Dong Nai City Labor Federation, the city’s Trade Union system currently comprises more than 2,300 grassroots unions with nearly 750,000 union members among over 790,000 workers, achieving a membership rate of 94.8 percent or higher. This workforce plays a vital role in local socio-economic development.

Timely support for workers

Recently, the Dong Nai City Labor Federation organized visits and presented gifts to union members and workers facing financial hardship or suffering from serious illnesses at enterprises across the city. During these visits, Trade Union officials inquired about workers’ health, jobs, income, and family circumstances while offering encouragement and support to help them overcome difficulties and stabilize their lives.

Among those receiving assistance was Tran Thi Thanh Thuy, an employee of Eclat Vietnam Textile and Garment Co., Ltd. in Nhon Trach Ward, who is currently undergoing medical treatment. She emotionally shared that during one of the most challenging periods of her life, the Trade Union's support provided not only financial assistance but also invaluable emotional encouragement.

“Medical treatment has placed a heavy financial burden on my family. Receiving a visit, encouragement, and gifts from union officials deeply touched me. Their concern makes me feel that I am not alone and gives me more motivation to continue treatment and strive to improve my life,” Thuy said.

Similarly, Nguyen Thi Thuy Trang, an employee of Hyosung Dong Nai Co., Ltd., in Nhon Trach V Industrial Park, expressed gratitude for support from the Trade Union. “When life presents many challenges, the care and support from the Trade Union bring great comfort. Beyond material assistance, the emotional encouragement is even more valuable, giving workers the strength to fight illness and remain optimistic,” Trang said.

Support activities for disadvantaged workers have been widely implemented across grassroots Trade Unions, reflecting the organization’s close attention to workers’ welfare. For many employees, these gifts represent solidarity, companionship, and genuine care. The presence of trade union officials has boosted morale and strengthened workers’ confidence in overcoming adversity.

Providing motivation and protection

In recent years, Trade Unions at all levels have continuously renewed their activities and implemented numerous welfare programs under the guiding principle: “Where workers face hardship, the Trade Union is there.” These initiatives include assistance for workers in exceptionally difficult circumstances, handing over of “Trade Union Shelters,” support for transportation home during the Lunar New Year (Tet) holiday, free health checkups, legal counseling, and job placement services. All are aimed at improving workers’ material and spiritual well-being.

The Trade Union also serves as an important bridge between employees, employers, and government agencies. Through dialogue and collective negotiation, Trade Unions promptly gather workers’ concerns and advocate for issues related to wages, bonuses, working hours, social insurance, and other legitimate rights and benefits. Many labor disputes have been successfully resolved, contributing to harmonious, stable, and progressive labor relations within enterprises.

The Trade Union’s role becomes particularly evident during periods of crisis, such as pandemics, natural disasters, or economic downturns, when many workers experience reduced working hours, job losses, or declining incomes. During such periods, Trade Unions have mobilized resources to provide timely assistance through welfare packages, financial support programs, and discounted workers’ markets. These efforts have helped thousands of worker families overcome hardship and maintain stable living conditions.

According to Mai Thi Huong, Chairwoman of the Trade Union at Eclat Vietnam Garment Co., Ltd., during Workers’ Month 2026, the company and its union jointly distributed more than 400 gifts, each worth VND 500,000, to workers facing difficulties or serious illnesses. In addition, the company organizes annual rice support programs, providing approximately 50 tons of rice during each distribution campaign.

At many enterprises, trade union officials regularly visit workers’ boarding houses and production workshops to listen directly to their concerns and aspirations. This close engagement fosters trust and encourages workers to remain committed to their jobs and employers.

Nguyen Minh Tam, Chairman of the grassroots Trade Union of Pou Phong Vietnam Company Ltd. in An Vien Commune, said that each visit to workers’ living quarters provides meaningful opportunities to understand their circumstances. “These visits are not only opportunities to provide support but also chances to listen to workers talk about their lives, jobs, and difficulties. Through such conversations, Trade Union officials gain a deeper understanding of workers’ needs and can propose more appropriate and timely assistance.”

He added that workers often share concerns ranging from income and employment to children’s education, illness, workplace accidents, and family challenges. “Every individual circumstance motivates Trade Union officials to continue improving their efforts to care for and protect workers, helping them overcome difficulties and stabilize their lives,” Tam said.

These meaningful activities demonstrate that the slogan “Where workers face hardship, the Trade Union is there” is far more than a simple motto. It is a vivid reflection of the Trade Union’s sense of responsibility, dedication, and compassion toward workers. Words of encouragement, warm handshakes, and practical gifts delivered directly to union members highlight the Trade Union organization’s commitment to supporting and protecting employees.

As a representative, companion, and dependable source of support for workers, the Dong Nai Trade Union continues to inspire and empower its members, thereby contributing to the development of a stronger, more resilient working class.

By Nguyen Hoa – Translated by Mai Nga, Minho