A COMPLETE SPRING FOR ALL WORKERS
Each year, as Tet approaches, amid the fast-paced rhythm of modern life and the bustling crowds, Ho Chi Minh City still preserves something uniquely its own: the warmth that comes from compassion, from the way the city ensures that no one is left behind, especially the workers who have contributed their sweat to the steady development of this metropolis of more than ten million people.
Beneath the dazzling lights of the streets in the days leading up to Tet, there are still silent, hard-working labourers; still lodging houses where the hope of reunion remains uncertain. And it is precisely there that the city’s Tet support efforts begin, with sincerity, thoughtfulness, and genuine care, so that every worker may enjoy a complete, fulfilling and joyful spring.
PRACTICAL SUPPORT FOR WORKERS
For years, Ho Chi Minh City has regarded caring for workers during Tet as a central, continuous priority. This is a city of 14 million people, including millions of migrant workers who have contributed consistently to the growth and socio-economic vitality of the nation’s leading economic hub. Each Tet, the municipal authorities, various levels of the trade union, businesses and the wider community work together to ensure that every worker, regardless of circumstance, has Tet, enjoys Tet and feels the warm concern of the city that they have come to see as their second home.
During the 2023-2025 period, the Ho Chi Minh City Trade Union at all levels has carried out a wide range of extensive support activities, clearly demonstrating the organisation’s role as a source of support for its members and for workers.
Beyond material assistance, the city’s trade union has also focused on workers’ spiritual life, creating the motivation for them to feel secure, stay with their employers, and contribute to shared development.
Support achievements during the 2023-2025 period
Ho Chi Minh City Trade Union
4,992,491
trade union members and workers supported
3.244 trillion VND
in total support funding
Welfare Programmes
“Union Member Welfare Programme”
Ho Chi Minh City (former)
· Beneficiaries: 375,440
· Value: 123.85 billion VND
Binh Duong Province (former)
· Beneficiaries: 164,095
· Value: 19.72 billion VND
Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province (former)
· Beneficiaries: 17,765
· Value: 1.4 billion VND
Among the welfare and care activities, the “Union Member Welfare” programme has made a particularly strong impression, connecting the combined strength of enterprises, trade union organisations, and workers through the provision of goods and services at preferential prices, as well as support for shopping, healthcare, daily living, and education.
This year, alongside regular year-round activities, trade unions at all levels in Ho Chi Minh City have proactively developed plans for caring for workers during Tet Binh Ngo 2026, under the guiding principle “All union members and workers should have Tet and enjoy Tet.” This principle reflects the city’s deep sense of humanity and responsibility towards the workforce that directly constitutes a pillar of development.
Care activities must be practical, effective, economical, open, transparent, targeted to the right beneficiaries, and aligned with the actual needs of union members and workers, creating a joyful and uplifting atmosphere. The resources mobilised and the number of beneficiaries for Tet Binh Ngo 2026 must be greater than in previous years.
BUI THANH NHAN
Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City Federation of Labour
PRIORITISING SUPPORT FOR DIFFICULT CIRCUMSTANCES, FOCUSING ON THE GRASSROOTS
This Tet, care activities are strongly focused on grassroots trade unions, which are directly aware of the situations and needs of workers. Priority is given to supporting disadvantaged groups, including workers suffering from occupational accidents, occupational diseases, or serious illnesses; those facing reduced working hours, job losses, or wage arrears; ethnic minority workers; families with meritorious service to the nation; and workers who have not been able to return home for Tet for many years.
According to the plan, around 350,000 union members and workers will receive Tet support in 2026 from the Ho Chi Minh City Federation of Labour.
Expected Tet 2026 support levels:
Union members, trade union officials, relatives of martyrs, and Vietnamese Heroic Mothers:
up to 1,000,000 VND
Workers at enterprises without trade union organisations but contributing trade union fees: up to 500,000 VND
Cases of serious illness or particularly difficult occupational accidents:
special support of 2,000,000 VND
Transparency, openness, and decentralised implementation close to the grassroots level help ensure that resources are allocated to the right people and for the right purposes, providing reassurance and warmth to workers who are facing numerous challenges amid ongoing economic fluctuations.
DIVERSIFYING CARE MODELS, SPREADING WARMTH
Tet care activities have always been a prominent annual highlight of the Ho Chi Minh City trade union. In 2026, the programme is being implemented in a wide range of forms, addressing both essential needs and the spiritual life of workers.
One of the most significant activities is the “Tet Reunion” programme, in conjunction with the “Trade Union Tet Market – Spring 2026” organised by the Viet Nam General Confederation of Labour. At the event, workers can purchase essential goods at preferential prices, receive shopping vouchers, enjoy “zero-cost” benefits, and take part in cultural and sporting activities. They are also offered legal consultations, health check-ups, free medicines, and complimentary motorbike oil changes. This is not only material support but also a source of moral encouragement, providing a space that fosters bonds between workers, businesses, and trade union organisations.
Enterprises across Ho Chi Minh City have also coordinated with grassroots trade unions to organise “zero-cost” transport services to support disadvantaged workers and students.
Enterprises across Ho Chi Minh City have also coordinated with grassroots trade unions to organise “zero-cost” transport services to support disadvantaged workers and students.
Charitable buses, trains, and flights form another programme closely linked to Ho Chi Minh City’s efforts to support workers. Images of buses filled with compassion departing the city to take workers back to their hometowns for Tet have become a powerful symbol of humanity and solidarity.
Plan for providing Tet 2026 transport tickets:
Viet Nam General Confederation of Labour:
300 one-way air tickets
1,200 round-trip train tickets
300,000 VND cash gift per person
The Ho Chi Minh City Labour Federation:
is expected to provide additional support, including 3,500 coach tickets, 2,000 train tickets, and 500 air tickets.
These telling figures reflect the deep concern shown for tens of thousands of migrant workers — many of whom have been unable to return home for family reunions over several years. Behind each ticket lies hope, the joy of reunion, and a heartfelt journey home during the closing days of the year.
In addition, a wide range of Tet care and Spring celebration activities, including visits and encouragement for union members and workers unable to return home, will be implemented at the grassroots trade union level. These efforts aim to ensure that those who remain in the city to work or take on overtime shifts can still enjoy a warm and meaningful traditional Tet.
ENTERPRISES JOIN HANDS TO SPREAD SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
Alongside the role of trade unions, enterprises across Ho Chi Minh City play a vital part in caring for workers during Tet. Many companies have made early preparations and increased their support compared to previous years, demonstrating their appreciation for employees who have contributed to the success of their organisations.
The Trade Union of Ha Giang Garment and Embroidery Co., Ltd. said that this year the company continues to maintain a high level of employee welfare, from a 13th-month salary and bonuses for outstanding employees to organising year-end parties and giving Tet gifts worth 600,000 VND per person, and 10 kg of ST25 rice for each trade union member.
"We always strive to do our utmost to care for our workers, so that every individual and every family can enjoy a warm and happy Tet. Providing early support helps workers feel reassured and proactive in their preparations, and it also serves as a way to foster their long-term commitment to the enterprise," stressed Le Thi Thuy, Chairwoman of the company's Trade Union.
Similarly, Dai Dung Machine, Construction and Trading Company said that it increased its employee welfare budget by 10% this Tet holiday. The total funding for Tet bonus this year reached 36 billion VND, averaging about 20 million VND per employee.
The company will also organise six transportation trips, provide train and bus tickets, give gifts to 380 workers in difficult circumstances, award scholarships to underprivileged students with good academic results, and directly care for 30 worker families celebrating Tet at the dormitory.
“Taking care of employees is our top priority because only when employees are well cared for, will they truly be committed and willing to dedicate themselves to the development of the enterprise,” stated Nguyen Van Hung,
Chairman of the Trade Union of Dai Dung Machine, Construction and Trading Company .
Clearly, businesses play an irreplaceable role in caring for workers during Tet. The understanding, sharing, and responsibility from employers help workers feel appreciated and supported during their journey of earning a living in Ho Chi Minh City.
ENHANCING DIALOGUE, MONITORING, AND ENSURING WORKERS' RIGHTS DURING TET HOLIDAY
In addition to providing care, trade unions at all levels in Ho Chi Minh City will also focus on implementing measures to supervise the payment of wages and Tet bonuses, ensuring the rights of employees, especially in businesses facing difficulties, unpaid wages, or at risk of ceasing operations.
The Ho Chi Minh City Labour Federation requests labour unions at all levels:
1. Strengthen dialogue and negotiation with businesses
2. Monitor the implementation of wage and Tet bonus regulations
3. Provide timely support to workers in businesses that are dissolved, bankrupt, or whose owners have absconded
4. Proactively prevent labour disputes and collective work stoppages
5. Contribute to maintaining security and order in industrial parks and export processing zones during Tet
These measures not only protect the rights of employees but also help ensure the stability of the labour market, an important factor for production, business, and overall growth of the city.
Every gift pack, every free ticket home, every financial grant, and every year-end feast organised by grassroots trade unions is vivid evidence of the compassion and mutual support spirit — a cherished value that defines the identity of Ho Chi Minh City. Thanks to the united efforts of the entire political system, businesses, and the wider community, the coming celebration of Lunar New Year 2026 — the Year of the Horse, will be warmer and more humane than ever.
For the hundreds of thousands of workers toiling day and night in factories and on construction sites, every gesture of care carries profound emotional weight. These are not merely material gifts; they are tokens of trust that encourage workers to stay rooted in the city, the motivation to return after the holidays with renewed energy, ready to contribute even more to the city that has sheltered and supported them on their journey to earn a living.
Ho Chi Minh City is where dreams are brought together, where millions of workers have entrusted their youth, strength, and hope for a brighter future. Caring for them at Tet is therefore not only a responsibility; it is a deep expression of gratitude, solidarity, and an unwavering commitment to leave no one behind.
When the charity coaches roll out to take workers home, when gifts are handed over directly to workers, when laughter echoes through the trade-union Tet markets in the heart of the city, that is the moment spring truly arrives — a spring of sharing, reunion, and faith in a new year filled with abundance and happiness.
A warm and complete Tet for every worker does not just bring immediate joy; it forges lasting strength for Ho Chi Minh City — a metropolis that proudly upholds its tradition of compassion and never forgets to honour those who contribute to the civilised, modern, and humane future of the city.
Production director: LE NAM TU
Production manager: TUNG QUANG
Content: VUONG LE, TAT DAT
Translation: NDO
Photos: TUNG ANH, THE ANH
Design: TUNG ANH
