Union Meal 2025: Practical care, connecting workers

The 2025 Trade Union Meal Program has attracted more than 2.17 million union members and workers nationwide with a total budget of more than 148.7 billion VND. The activity not only improves the quality of shift meals but also strengthens the trust and attachment between workers and the Vietnam Trade Union.

Improve the quality of meals

On November 13, a representative of the Labor Relations Department, Vietnam General Confederation of Labor (VGCL), informed that the "Union Meal" program in 2025 has been deployed to more than 5,100 grassroots unions across the country, bringing meals to more than 2.171 million union members and workers. The total cost reached 148.7 billion VND, including resources from the VGCL, federations and industry unions, contributions from grassroots unions, enterprises and socialized sources.

The program is one of many activities organized by trade unions at all levels in coordination with unit heads and employers on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution, National Day September 2 and the 96th anniversary of the founding of the Vietnam Trade Union (July 28).

Union meal organized by Mao Khe Coal Company Union ( Quang Ninh ). (Photo: TL)

This is also an opportunity for the union to take care of workers, while creating opportunities to listen to their thoughts and aspirations and strengthening the trust and connection of union members with the business and the union organization.

Of which, the Vietnam General Confederation of Labor supported 686.5 million VND for disadvantaged localities such as Lang Son and Ca Mau ; industry federations and unions directly supported 2.85 billion VND; grassroots unions contributed 70.86 billion VND; other socialized sources reached nearly 61 billion VND.

Many localities have a large number of union members: Bac Ninh has more than 253,000 people from 508 grassroots unions; Ho Chi Minh City has more than 223,000 people; Hai Phong has nearly 173,000 people; Dong Nai has more than 143,000 people. Industry unions such as banking, textiles, and defense also maintain large-scale organizations with tens of thousands of people.

According to Mr. Ngo Duy Hieu, Vice President of the Vietnam General Confederation of Labor (VGCL), "Union Meal 2025" has really gone into depth, focusing on taking care of workers directly involved in production and business in enterprises. Although the number of grassroots unions has decreased compared to 2024 due to organizational planning, the average value of each meal has increased from 50,300 VND to 68,500 VND. This shows that the quality of the meal has improved significantly.

Connecting spirit, spreading welfare values

Not only meals, many grassroots unions have implemented supporting activities: giving gifts to union members in difficulty, giving "Union shelters", giving moon cakes, wishing union members happy birthday. These activities contribute to creating a friendly atmosphere, connecting employees and employers, and strengthening trust in the union organization.

The program also promotes union membership development: many workers, after participating in union meals, voluntarily join the organization, clearly realizing the caring and accompanying role of the union in the workplace.

Workers happily received the "Union Meal". (Photo: TL)

Looking forward to 2026, in the context of preparing for the 14th Congress of the Vietnam Trade Union and many important political events, the Vietnam General Confederation of Labor plans to implement Trade Union Meals on the occasions of Workers' Month, Vietnam Trade Union Foundation Day on July 28 and the Lunar New Year 2026, building the program into a long-term, periodic and sustainable welfare activity.

Trade unions at all levels are required to continue negotiating with employers to mobilize resources, focusing on support from businesses. At the same time, communication work will be promoted to raise awareness about caring for workers' lives and nutrition, ensuring health, regenerating labor and building a stable and harmonious working environment.

According to the Vietnam General Confederation of Labor, meals are mainly organized in collective kitchens, units without kitchens are arranged in convenient locations or right on construction sites or camps. Some places also combine organization in tourist areas to create a relaxing space. Many businesses also support all costs, demonstrating social responsibility and accompanying workers.

Source: https://thoidai.com.vn/bua-com-cong-doan-2025-cham-lo-thiet-thuc-gan-ket-nguoi-lao-dong-217661.html