Salary increase, workers are more motivated to stay
The National Wage Council met and voted to propose a regional minimum wage increase of 7.2%, effective from January 1, 2026.
For Vinh Long province - where there are many workers working in industrial parks and enterprises processing agricultural, aquatic and textile products - this policy is welcomed by workers with a full spirit of hope.
Ms. Nguyen Thi My Dung - a worker in Hoa Phu Industrial Park - said that hearing the news of an upcoming salary increase, she was very happy.
"Now, living expenses are increasing by a few hundred thousand a month, which is very valuable. Every time I go to the market, I see vegetables, fish, and meat increase in price, but my salary has remained the same for several years, I feel a great disadvantage Ms. Dung shared.
According to Ms. Dung, she is currently renting a room with her husband and young children, the couple's income is about 12 million VND per month but is always in just enough situation.
"I hope this salary increase will help me buy milk and medicine for my children. I dare not hope for more, just hope to reduce the shortcomings before and after," Ms. Dung added.
At boarding houses, information about salary increases is being discussed widely by workers. Many people share that the increase is not large but can help cover more milk for children, or save for Tet.
"I am raising two young children, the salary increase, even a few hundred, helps to make struggles a little less. Hopefully the company will do it correctly from the beginning of the year, said Mr. Tran Minh Nhat - a mechanical worker at Binh Minh Industrial Park.
Expecting a new year of stability and less worries
Although not yet effective, the information about salary increases has somewhat helped workers feel more secure. After many years of struggling with low income, they expect 2026 to open a positive signal for life.
"I am calculating at the beginning of the year if my salary is increased, I will switch to fixed shifts to have time to take my children to school. Before working overtime, it was just enough to live on, confided Ms. Le Thi Kim Oanh, a garment worker.
The working atmosphere in many enterprises is also more stable after the news of salary adjustment. Some passing team leaders noted the spirit of workers being more excited and attached to work.
"Although not immediately increased, we have more motivation to continue trying until Tet. Salary increase is not only money, but a milestone for workers to have more confidence," said Mr. Nguyen Hoang Phuc - team leader of a mechanical workshop in Binh Minh Industrial Park.
Speaking with Lao Dong, Mr. Nguyen Phuc Linh - Chairman of the Vinh Long Provincial Federation of Labor said: Adjusting the regional minimum wage is a very encouraging signal, showing that the State always cares about the lives of workers.
According to Mr. Linh, the Provincial Trade Union will accompany businesses in the implementation process to ensure that workers enjoy full benefits from January 1, 2026.
"From an ineffective policy, the belief in change has begun to spread in the Vinh Long working community. For them, a few hundred thousand VND per month is not just money, but a hope for a new year of peace and less worries," Mr. Linh added.
