On the morning of June 26, the National Wage Council held its first meeting to discuss the 2026 minimum wage plan.
After the end of the meeting and discussion with Lao Dong, Deputy Minister of Home Affairs Nguyen Manh Khuong - Chairman of the National Wage Council - said that the relevant parties had not yet found a common voice despite suggestions for voting.
"The next meeting of the National Wage Council will take place in early August 2025" - Deputy Minister Nguyen Manh Khuong said.
Mr. Nguyen Viet Cuong - an independent expert on the Council commented that this year's minimum wage negotiations have many unpredictable factors, due to being placed in the context of Vietnam - US trade negotiations.
Regarding the proposed plan, according to Mr. Cuong, members of the technical team are discussing. From a personal perspective, Mr. Cuong commented that salary increase must ensure the basic principle of compensating for inflation, ensuring a minimum standard of living.
Mr. Ngo Duy Hieu - Vice President of the Vietnam General Confederation of Labor, Vice Chairman of the National Wage Council said that in principle, the National Wage Council needs to meet earlier.
However, in order to share the difficulties of a part of the enterprise and create common momentum for national development, the Vietnam General Confederation of Labor also agreed to postpone the time of negotiation.
Regarding the adjustment of regional minimum monthly salary, the Vietnam General Confederation of Labor proposes two options: 9.2% and 8.3%.
According to Mr. Nhac Phan Linh - Deputy Director of the Institute for Strategic Research and Journal of Labor - Trade Union (VGCL), the basis of this proposal does not only come from macroeconomic factors but is also associated with the major policy of the Party and State on improving living conditions and social security for workers. Vietnam is entering a new era, emphasized by the General Secretary starting from 2025, with the goal of becoming a developed country with high income by 2045.
Meanwhile, Mr. Hoang Quang Phong - Vice President of the Vietnam Federation of Commerce and Industry (VCCI), Vice Chairman of the National Wage Council proposed that the regional minimum wage increase in 2026 could range from 3 to 5%.
From 2014 to present, the minimum wage has undergone many adjustments with the following increases: 15.2% (in 2014); 14.2% (in 2015); 12.4% (in 2016); 7.3% (in 2017); 6.5% (in 2018); 5.3% (in 2019); 5.5% (from 2020 to June 2022); 6% (in 2022 to June 2024); 6% (from July 1, 2024 to present).
For nearly 10 years (2016 - 2024), the regional minimum wage has been periodically adjusted with an average growth rate of 5.96%/year. The average salary of employees receiving a salary increase is 6.57%/year.
