Ho Chi Minh City Trade Union innovates its methods and improves the living standards of workers.

The 2026 Workers' Month in Ho Chi Minh City will be organized in an innovative way, shifting from short-term support to sustainable care, linked to improving income, skills, and quality of life. Trade union programs will focus on meeting specific needs, aiming to build a stable, adaptable, and sustainable workforce.

To gain a better understanding of the new initiatives and specific programs and activities aimed at caring for workers during Workers' Month, a reporter from the News and Nation newspaper interviewed Mr. Bui Thanh Nhan, a member of the Executive Committee of the Vietnam General Confederation of Labor .

Mr. Bui Thanh Nhan, Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City Federation of Labor (HCMCFL).

Sir, with the goal of providing workers not only immediate support but also opportunities to improve their long-term livelihoods, how is this year's Workers' Month designed?

This year, we are clearly committed to providing in-depth care and creating sustainable value for our workers. Simply giving gifts or providing short-term support is not enough. Therefore, our activities are designed to be directly linked to the income, health, and professional development of our workers.

Specifically, the "Trade Union Shelter" program continues to be implemented, aiming to build 50 houses for union members facing housing difficulties. This is a meaningful long-term support program that helps workers stabilize their lives. In addition, the City Trade Union organized general health check-ups for approximately 50,000 female workers and occupational disease examinations for about 30,000 workers, contributing to early detection and prevention of health risks.

We also collaborate with businesses to improve the quality of meals during work shifts, working conditions, and implement welfare programs such as discounts on consumer goods, loan support, and legal advice. All of these aim to improve the actual quality of life for workers. In particular, training and skills development programs are being promoted. When workers have better skills, they will have opportunities to increase their income and achieve sustainable development. This is the core value that this year's Workers' Month aims for.

In addition to direct activities, trade unions at all levels are required to strengthen workplace dialogue, promptly listen to and resolve workers' requests. Issues regarding wages, working hours, and benefits are compiled and discussed with businesses to find suitable solutions. Regular dialogue contributes to building harmonious labor relations, reducing disputes, and maintaining a stable working environment.

In addition, the Trade Union focuses on improving the spiritual well-being of workers through cultural and sports activities and online platforms, helping them regenerate their energy. When both material and spiritual conditions are improved, workers have more motivation to stay with the company, thereby increasing production efficiency.

With the goal of improving labor productivity, what will the Ho Chi Minh City Trade Union do to encourage workers to proactively innovate and be creative in their work?

To encourage innovation among workers, we must first create an environment and mechanisms that allow them to develop their abilities. Therefore, we implement emulation movements linked to production efficiency, with a focus on technical innovation initiatives.

This year, we aim to have approximately 10% of union members propose initiatives, and at least 30% of those will be implemented in practice. These initiatives must deliver concrete benefits such as increased productivity, reduced costs, or improved working conditions.

Simultaneously, the Trade Union collaborates with businesses to organize vocational and digital skills training courses, helping workers adapt to modern production trends. The application of digital transformation is also being promoted in management, connectivity, and support for union members.

A crucial point is that initiatives must be "transformed" into real value. When businesses increase production efficiency and profits improve, employees will benefit through better wages, bonuses, and other benefits. Thus, innovation is no longer just a slogan but becomes an intrinsic motivation for each worker.

Furthermore, we prioritize building a work environment that encourages creativity, where employees' contributions are recognized and appreciated. Models of "Excellent Workers - Creative Workers" continue to be expanded, coupled with timely rewards to create a ripple effect of motivation. The trade union also plays a bridging role between employees and businesses in realizing initiatives and ensuring the legitimate rights of those who propose them.

Furthermore, we will enhance legal counseling and support for workers on issues related to contracts, insurance, and working conditions. When workers are fully protected, they will feel secure in contributing and developing their abilities. This is the foundation for building a high-quality workforce that meets the city's development requirements in the new phase.

In the context of provincial and city mergers, and with an increasingly large and diverse workforce, how can trade unions ensure that welfare programs reach the right people, especially vulnerable workers?

We are committed to ensuring that no disadvantaged worker is left behind. Especially in a large city like Ho Chi Minh City, care must be focused, targeted, and aimed at the right people. Trade unions at all levels will concentrate on supporting vulnerable groups such as: those injured in work accidents, those suffering from occupational diseases, female workers, and those experiencing reduced income or job loss. In addition to direct support, we also implement long-term programs such as developing social housing, improving the working environment, and enhancing the quality of meals provided during work shifts.

Currently, digital transformation applications play a crucial role in trade union activities, helping to manage member data accurately, synchronously, and in real time. Based on this, trade unions can quickly analyze and identify the specific needs of each worker group, thereby implementing timely and targeted care and support programs, ensuring transparency and improving service efficiency.

Simultaneously, the trade union organization was restructured to be more closely aligned with the grassroots. Strengthening the staff at the grassroots level and building a network of collaborators helped to more quickly understand the thoughts and aspirations of workers. When needs are properly understood, support will be more practical and effective.

A new development is that trade unions are strengthening coordination with local authorities and businesses to expand the network of welfare programs, especially in worker dormitories and industrial zones – areas with a high concentration of workers. Programs such as "Workers' Market," "Charity Bus Trip," and emergency support packages are implemented flexibly, promptly, and in accordance with the reality.

In addition, communication efforts have been intensified to ensure that workers understand their rights and proactively access support programs. When information is transparent and easily accessible, workers will actively participate in and benefit from the policies.

This year's Workers' Month is not only a peak period of activity, but also represents a shift in the way trade unions operate: focusing on the right needs and target groups, aiming for sustainable values, thereby contributing to improving the quality of human resources and production efficiency in Ho Chi Minh City.

Thank you very much, sir!

Source: https://baotintuc.vn/van-de-quan-tam/cong-doan-tp-ho-chi-minh-doi-moi-cach-lam-nang-chat-doi-song-cong-nhan-20260428174857985.htm