Hai Phong takes practical steps to support workers’ living conditions
Amid global economic fluctuations and declining orders at many businesses that affect workers’ incomes, stabilizing wages, ensuring Tet bonuses and improving benefits remain top priorities for trade unions in Hai Phong.
As the year draws to a close and businesses rush to complete orders, workers are eagerly waiting for information about salaries and Tet (Lunar New Year) bonuses after a year of hard work.
Understanding these concerns, trade unions at all levels in Hai Phong city have taken early action to grasp the sentiments of union members and workers, and negotiate with businesses to ensure better wages, incomes and benefits for the Tet holiday.
Taking early action
Amid global economic fluctuations and declining orders at many businesses that affect workers’ incomes, stabilizing wages, ensuring Tet bonuses and improving benefits remain top priorities for trade unions.
The Trade Union of Regent Garment Factory Ltd. in Lai Vu industrial park, which employs more than 26,000 workers, proposed and successfully negotiated several new policies in early September, such as increasing the transportation fuel allowance from 600,000 to 900,000 VND/ person/ month, the attendance bonus from 300,000 to 500,000 VND, and wedding and funeral support from 200,000 to 500,000 VND.
Pham Dinh Hoa, Chairman of the company’s Trade Union, said the union continued to negotiate with business leaders to secure a 13th-month salary and propose annual wage adjustments. The union is also preparing a plan for the 2026 Tet holiday, aiming to maintain gift values as last year and expand support programs for workers in difficult circumstances.
At the same time, it is coordinating with the business to retain out-of-province workers after Tet through two-way travel subsidies and lucky-draw events at the beginning of the new year.
Do An Ninh, Chairman of the Trade Union of Fujikura Composites Hai Phong Co., Ltd. in Japan – Hai Phong industrial park, said surveys show that the company’s workers want wage increases based on salary tables, a raise in the attendance bonus from 150,000 to 250,000 VND, and a rise in meal allowances from 30,000 to 35,000 VND. The union has conveyed all requests and is striving to negotiate the best possible benefits for the workers.
Along with negotiations, trade unions across the city have strengthened inspections and oversight of wage and bonus payments to prevent outstanding or delayed salaries that could cause frustration among workers.
Diverse support forms
Many grassroots trade unions pay special attention to workers’ mental well-being at year-end. Recently, Yazaki Hai Phong Vietnam Co., Ltd. has organized the 2025 Sports Festival with the participation of more than 1,000 workers.
Sports competitions and lucky draws with valuable prizes created a vibrant atmosphere, enhanced solidarity and maintained a stable working environment at the enterprise. The festival’s total cost, funded by the company’s Trade Union, exceeded 500 million VND.
A lively spirit has also spread through sports and musical activities at Bridgestone Tire Manufacturing Vietnam Co., Ltd. in Dinh Vu industrial park, Iko Thompson Vietnam Co., Ltd. in Japan – Hai Phong industrial park, and others.
Together with grassroots trade unions, the city Confederation of Labor has also actively implemented practical support for union members, including developing plans for 2026 Tet with programs such as gift packages, financial assistance, and bus tickets for migrant workers to return to their hometown for the holiday.
One notable activity underway this December is a program providing free cataract surgery for 500 workers and their family members. Nguyen Van Phiet, Vice Chairman of the city Confederation of Labor, said the program aims to realize the policy of “Caring for trade union members’ welfare” during the year-end season, especially helping workers in difficult circumstances access high-quality healthcare services.
Additionally, the first Job Counseling Day 2025, taking place from December 5 to 7, offers opportunities for informal workers, final-year students and discharged soldiers to find suitable employment among 16,000 vacancies from nearly 100 businesses.
Through proactive negotiations, oversight, and material and spiritual support for members, trade unions have contributed to strengthening workers’ confidence, helping them feel secure at work, and maintaining harmonious and stable labor relations within enterprises.
NGUYEN NGUYEN