Names of the Vietnam Trade Union through the ages

The Vietnam Trade Union has had many names throughout its history, reflecting its role in representing, caring for, and protecting the legitimate rights and interests of its members and workers.

A turning point in the history of the Vietnamese workers' movement.

On July 28, 1929, at house number 15, Hang Non Street, Hanoi , under the leadership of the Indochinese Communist Party, the founding congress of the General Red Trade Union of Northern Vietnam was convened. The congress elected the provisional Executive Committee of the General Red Trade Union of Northern Vietnam, headed by Comrade Nguyen Duc Canh, a member of the provisional Central Executive Committee of the Indochinese Communist Party.

General Vo Nguyen Giap and delegates attending the First Congress of the Vietnam Trade Union from January 1-15, 1950 in Thai Nguyen . Photo: VNA

The Congress adopted the Trade Union's Program and Statutes; and simultaneously decided to publish the Labor Newspaper and the Red Trade Union Magazine to propagate, educate , and enlighten the working class. The establishment of the Red Trade Union of Northern Vietnam was of particular importance, marking the formation of a revolutionary trade union organization in Vietnam and laying the foundation for a unified trade union system throughout the country.

This was a turning point in the history of the Vietnamese workers' movement, contributing to the gathering, organization, and leadership of the working class in the struggle for economic and political rights; at the same time, it was closely linked to the revolutionary cause led by the Party, aiming towards the goal of national liberation and building a new society.

Names of the Vietnam Trade Union through the ages

The Red Trade Union (1929-1935) actively propagated, mobilized, organized, and led workers' struggles against oppression and exploitation; and revolutionary struggles to achieve national independence. These struggles attracted a large number of workers from many industries and localities, notably Nghe An, Ha Tinh, Saigon-Cholon-Gia Dinh, etc., who participated and achieved initial victories.

The Mutual Aid Union (1936-1939) operated with the goal of demanding freedom of association, civil rights, and democracy, aiming to unite the working masses broadly. During this period, tens of thousands of workers' struggles took place, forcing the French colonial authorities to accept several demands such as: increased wages, reduced working hours, permission for union activities, freedom of assembly; and resistance against employers' dismissals and beatings of workers.

The Anti-Imperialist Workers' Association (1939-1941) was tasked with fighting to protect the daily interests of workers; at the same time, it fought to overthrow the colonial and feudal regimes, contributing to the liberation of the class and the nation; it organized and led many workers' strikes.

The National Salvation Workers' Association (1941-1946) , under the leadership of the Party and within the framework of the Viet Minh Front, with its appropriate organizational form and clear goals, strongly promoted the workers' movement in all three regions, especially in Hanoi, Hai Phong, Hon Gai, etc. In August 1945, the working class, together with the people of the whole country, carried out the August Revolution of 1945, seized power, and established the Democratic Republic of Vietnam.

The Vietnam General Confederation of Labor (1946 - 1961) , in response to the new demands and tasks of the revolution, on June 20, 1946, the National Conference of Trade Union Cadres for National Salvation decided to change the name of the "Workers' Association for National Salvation" to "Trade Union" and establish the "Vietnam General Confederation of Labor". Trade unions at all levels mobilized workers to participate in the fighting, encouraged workers to build production bases, served the long-term resistance war, and built a socialist North Vietnam.

The Vietnam General Confederation of Labor (1961 - 1988) - From February 23-27, 1961, the Second Congress of the Vietnam Trade Union was held in Hanoi. The Congress decided to change the name of the Vietnam General Confederation of Labor to the Vietnam General Confederation of Labor.

The Vietnam General Confederation of Labor (1988 to present) – The 6th Congress of the Vietnam Trade Union (held from October 17-20, 1988) decided to change the name of the Vietnam General Confederation of Labor to the Vietnam General Confederation of Labor, in accordance with the requirements of reforming the organization and activities of trade unions in the new situation.

From June 3-5, 2026, the 14th Congress of the Vietnam Trade Union for the 2026-2031 term will be held at the National Convention Center in Hanoi. It will be attended by 780 outstanding delegates, including exemplary trade union officials and members representing various industries, sectors, localities, and units nationwide; and representing the will, aspirations, and wisdom of nearly 10 million trade union members. The motto of the 14th Congress of the Vietnam Trade Union for the 2026-2031 term is “Unity - Democracy - Discipline - Innovation - Development” .

Source: https://congthuong.vn/ten-goi-cua-cong-doan-viet-nam-qua-cac-thoi-ky-458997.html