Mr. Nguyen Huu Tinh - working as a worker at a business in Can Tho City - with an income of about 5-6 million VND/month, after paying rent, food and daily living expenses, his income is almost no longer available for accumulation.
For me, just increasing by a few hundred thousand VND per month also helps reduce the pressure of rent, food and household expenses. To have an increase of 7.8%, I am sure that the representative of the Vietnam General Confederation of Labour at the National Wage Council played a very large role" - Mr. Tinh shared.
According to Ms. Tran Thi Thanh Ha - Member of the Standing Committee, Deputy Head of the Labor Relations Department of the Vietnam General Confederation of Labor, member of the National Wage Council - said that the proposal of the National Wage Council to increase the regional minimum wage by 7.8% from January 1, 2027 not only has the meaning of adjusting wage policies but also clearly demonstrates the role of representing and protecting the legitimate and lawful rights and interests of the Vietnam General Confederation of Labor for millions of workers.
It is worth noting that, in the negotiations, the VGCL not only raised the issue of salary increases but also comprehensively analyzed the relationship between wages, labor productivity, consumer price index, economic growth rate and business resilience. The approach based on dialogue, sharing and harmonizing interests has helped the negotiation process reach high consensus, creating a basis for the National Wage Council to agree on the proposed increase of 7.8%" - Ms. Tran Thi Thanh Ha said.
At many businesses, the Trade Union has negotiated to ensure that workers receive wages higher than the minimum level along with many practical supports and benefits. This shows the effectiveness of dialogue and collective negotiation in protecting workers' rights.
In parallel with that, the VGCL also implemented many practical care programs such as supporting union members in difficult circumstances, building "Trade Union Homes", union member welfare programs, activities in Workers' Month, Action Month on occupational safety and health and many support policies when workers encounter difficulties due to natural disasters, epidemics or job loss.
The VGCL also aims for a long-term goal of building harmonious, stable and progressive labor relations; promoting sustainable employment, improving the quality of human resources and creating conditions for workers to enjoy the development achievements of the country.
The proposal to increase the regional minimum wage by an additional 7.8% from January 1, 2027 is therefore not only the result of a successful negotiation, but also affirms the role of the VGCL in persistently listening to the thoughts and aspirations of workers, transforming recommendations from practice into specific policies. That is also the core value of the Trade Union organization: Always accompanying, representing and constantly striving for each worker to have a better income, a more stable life and a more sustainable future" - Ms. Tran Thi Thanh Ha expressed.
