Trade Union Meal 2025: Practical Care, Strengthening Workers' Bonds

The 2025 Trade Union Meal Program attracted more than 2.17 million union members and workers nationwide, with a total budget of over 148.7 billion VND. This activity not only improved the quality of meals but also strengthened trust and solidarity between workers and the Vietnam Trade Union organization.

Improve the quality of meals.

On November 13th, representatives from the Labor Relations Department of the Vietnam General Confederation of Labor (VGCL) announced that the "Trade Union Meal" program for 2025 has been implemented in over 5,100 grassroots trade unions nationwide, providing meals to more than 2.171 million union members and workers. The total cost reached 148.7 billion VND, including resources from the VGCL, industry federations and trade unions, contributions from grassroots trade unions, businesses, and socialized sources.

This program is one of a series of activities organized by trade unions at all levels in coordination with unit leaders and employers to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution, National Day on September 2nd, and the 96th anniversary of the founding of the Vietnam Trade Union (July 28th).

A union meal organized by the Trade Union of Mao Khe Coal Company ( Quang Ninh ). (Photo: Provided)

This is also an opportunity for trade unions to care for workers, while simultaneously creating a chance to listen to their thoughts and aspirations, and to strengthen the trust and bond between union members and the enterprise and the trade union organization.

Specifically, the Vietnam General Confederation of Labor provided 686.5 million VND to disadvantaged localities such as Lang Son and Ca Mau ; industry-specific federations and trade unions provided direct support of 2.85 billion VND; grassroots trade unions contributed 70.86 billion VND; and other social mobilization sources reached nearly 61 billion VND.

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

According to Mr. Ngo Duy Hieu, Vice President of the Vietnam General Confederation of Labor (VGCL), the "Trade Union Meal Program 2025" has truly become more in-depth, focusing on caring for workers directly involved in production and business within enterprises. Although the number of grassroots trade unions decreased compared to 2024 due to organizational planning, the average value per meal increased from 50,300 VND to 68,500 VND. This shows that the quality of meals has improved significantly.

Fostering a sense of unity and spreading values ​​of well-being.

Beyond just meals, many grassroots trade unions have implemented supplementary activities: giving gifts to members in need, awarding "Trade Union Shelters," giving mooncakes, and celebrating members' birthdays. These activities contribute to creating a friendly and cohesive atmosphere between workers and employers, strengthening trust in the trade union organization.

The program also promotes membership growth: many workers, after participating in the union meal, voluntarily joined the organization, clearly recognizing the caring and supportive role of the union in the workplace.

Workers happily receive the "Trade Union Meal". (Photo: Provided)

Looking ahead to 2026, in the context of preparations for the 14th National Congress of the Vietnam Trade Union and many important political events, the Vietnam General Confederation of Labor plans to implement the Trade Union Meal Program on the occasions of Workers' Month, the founding day of the Vietnam Trade Union on July 28th, and the Lunar New Year of the Horse 2026, building the program into a long-term, regular, and sustainable welfare activity.

Trade unions at all levels are required to continue negotiating with employers to mobilize resources, prioritizing support from businesses. Simultaneously, communication efforts will be intensified to raise awareness about caring for workers' well-being and providing nutritious meals during work shifts, ensuring their health, restoring their energy, and building a stable and harmonious working environment.

According to the Vietnam General Confederation of Labor, meals are mainly organized in communal kitchens. Units without kitchens arrange meals at convenient locations or right on the construction site or camp. Some places even combine meals with tourist areas to create a relaxing atmosphere. Many businesses also cover all costs, demonstrating social responsibility and support for their workers.

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