Giving workers greater confidence

During the first six months of 2026, trade unions at all levels and businesses across Dong Nai rolled out a wide range of initiatives to improve workers' welfare, protect their rights and enhance working conditions.

The Trade Union Executive Committee of Chang Shin Vietnam Co., Ltd. hands over a Trade Union Shelter to Bui Thi Kim Ngan. Photo: Nguyen Hoa

Through these efforts, workers have gained greater confidence and motivation to stay with their employers.

Supporting workers in meaningful ways

On an early July morning at Far Eastern New Apparel (Vietnam) Limited in Bac Dong Phu Industrial Park, Dong Phu ward, Phan Ngoc Linh beamed with pride after receiving recognition for her active participation in the company's June hazard and near-miss reporting movement. For Linh, the award was more than simply a recognition of her sense of responsibility. It also reflected the company's appreciation of employees' commitment and dedication.

As a worker who has been with the company for many years, Linh has always believed that every hazard identified early and every near-miss reported promptly helps prevent regrettable accidents, protects workers' health and lives, and safeguards company assets.

"Being recognized and rewarded by the company is both an honor and a source of motivation for me to keep improving my work. It also gives us greater confidence to stay with the company for the long term," Linh said.

Bui Thi Kim Ngan, from Nhon Trach Ward, could not hide her joy and emotion when she received a Trade Union Shelter presented by the Executive Committee of the Trade Union of Chang Shin Vietnam Co., Ltd. in June. After years of living in a deteriorating house, her family now has a more stable place to live, easing hardship and allowing her to feel more secure in caring for her children's education.

Another worker, Pham Thi Ly of Grand Gain Footwear Manufacturing Co., Ltd. in Dong Xoai ward, recently received nearly VND72 million in financial assistance after being diagnosed with a life-threatening illness. Trade union representatives visited her home to present the support, which she described as an enormous source of encouragement that has strengthened her determination to continue treatment and overcome difficult circumstances.

These stories reflect the increasingly close cooperation between trade unions and businesses in supporting workers. When employees are placed at the center of development, their confidence is strengthened, their motivation is renewed, and businesses gain a stronger foundation for sustainable growth.

A wide range of worker-centered initiatives

Speaking at a recent conference, Nguyen Duc Thang, Vice Chairman of the Dong Nai City Federation of Labor (DNFL), said trade unions had worked closely with businesses during the first half of the year to implement numerous employee-focused programs. These included visiting and supporting workers facing hardship, expanding employee welfare programs, organizing regular health check-ups and improving workplace meals, all aimed at enhancing workers' material and spiritual well-being.

At the same time, many businesses have strengthened their social responsibility by recognizing employees as their most valuable asset and a key driver of sustainable development. One highlight has been the continued organization of regular workplace dialogues and the effective implementation of grassroots democracy regulations. Through these dialogues, workers' concerns regarding wages, bonuses, meal allowances, working hours, working conditions and employee benefits have been heard and addressed promptly.

Such dialogues not only strengthen communication between employers and employees but also help build harmonious, stable and progressive labor relations. The representative role of trade unions has also been reinforced through collective bargaining, the signing of collective labor agreements and supervision of their implementation. According to the DNFL, 16 collective labor agreements were newly signed or renewed during the first six months of 2026, while another 13 were amended or supplemented. As a result, the city now has nearly 1,800 collective labor agreements in force, covering nearly 82 percent of its almost 2,200 eligible grassroots trade unions.

Beyond providing immediate support for workers' livelihoods, trade unions and businesses have also focused on building workplaces that are humane, safe and cohesive. Emulation movements such as skilled work, creative work, technical improvement initiatives, green, clean and beautiful workplaces, occupational safety and hygiene, along with a wide range of cultural and sports activities, have created a vibrant atmosphere of emulation, improved labor productivity and strengthened employees' attachment to businesses.

Nguyen Thi My Linh, General Director of Dona Victor Footwear Co., Ltd. in Binh Minh commune, said the company's grassroots trade union had recently partnered with management to successfully organize its 2026 cross-country race, attracting nearly 1,000 employees. The annual event provides workers with a healthy recreational activity, encourages physical fitness and strengthens team spirit throughout the company. When employees are healthy and in good spirits, they work more effectively, improve productivity and contribute to the company's sustainable development.

The smiles at the end of a workday, more nutritious meals, newly built homes and sincere dialogue between employees and employers all reflect the value of the close partnership between trade unions and businesses. Together, these efforts continue to strengthen workers' confidence, reinforce their motivation and encourage them to remain committed to their employers.

Experience shows that wherever trade unions and employers work closely together, workers' rights are better protected, workplaces become more stable, and productivity, quality and business performance all improve. This partnership provides an essential foundation for sustainable business growth while giving workers the confidence to build long-term careers with their employers.

By N. Hoa - Translated by M.Nguyet, Minho