Social work is no longer a slogan
In the last days of March 2026, in many communes and wards in Da Nang, the atmosphere of activities to care for union members and workers is more vibrant than usual.
In Nam Phuoc commune, in response to the 10th anniversary of Vietnam Social Work Day, the Commune Trade Union organized many meaningful activities, notably the sisterhood signing program between the grassroots Trade Union of the My Son World Cultural Heritage Management Board and Duy Vinh Fisheries Union in the 2026-2030 period. At the program, the grassroots Trade Union of the My Son World Cultural Heritage Management Board awarded financial support of 10,000,000 VND to contribute to caring for union members and fishermen in difficult circumstances. The Commune Trade Union coordinated with Tam Tri Quang Nam General Hospital to award 250 health check-up vouchers to union members and workers; in which priority was given 150 medical check-up vouchers to 100% of union members of Duy Vinh Fisheries Union.
In Dien Ban ward, nearly 100 female workers participated in a reproductive health care consultation conference with many practical contents such as gynecological disease prevention, cancer screening, nutrition and post-work psychological balance.
The noteworthy point is not only in the content, but also in the organization. Instead of being a movement, grassroots trade unions have proactively coordinated with medical facilities and businesses to bring services to workers' workplaces. Very ordinary questions such as safe contraception, reasonable diet or early signs of disease... are answered directly and openly.
Ms. Nguyen Thi Hanh, a worker at a plastic production enterprise in the area, shared: "Such sessions are very useful, because they are directly consulted by doctors, and it is easy to ask about things I am still hesitant about. I see this as a very practical concern from the trade union.
Not only in Dien Ban, but also in Chien Dan commune, nearly 100 workers in difficult circumstances were also given free health check-ups and self-care advice. In Thang Binh, a mini football tournament for workers, civil servants, and laborers was organized, creating a cohesive playground and improving physical strength.
From movement to real need
Vietnam Social Work Day (March 25) was decided by the Government from 2016 to honor the role of social work and spread the spirit of humanity in the community. This year, the fact that commune and ward trade unions simultaneously organized activities shows a clear change: social work has been "localized", directly linked to the needs of workers.
Ms. Lam Thi Vy - Chairwoman of Nam Phuoc Commune Trade Union said: "We determine that taking care of union members is not only to support them when they are in difficulty, but also to help them have knowledge and skills to take care of themselves and their families. When workers are healthy and assured, businesses will also develop more sustainably. Therefore, grassroots trade unions must be more proactive, not waiting for superiors to implement.
Reality shows that workers, especially workers in industrial parks, still face many barriers in accessing health services, health care and activities to improve spiritual life. Limited income and prolonged working hours make many people only go for examination when their illness is severe.
In that context, bringing consulting, medical examination and treatment, and physical training activities to the grassroots level not only helps reduce costs but also creates conditions for workers to access services conveniently and promptly. More importantly, this approach contributes to changing perceptions: From considering health as a personal issue to recognizing it as part of social security and labor productivity.
The strong involvement of grassroots trade unions also shows a new trend that social work is no longer a separate task of the specialized sector, but has become a common responsibility of many organizations in society.
