The National Wage Council has held its first meeting to discuss plans for adjusting the regional minimum wage in 2027 before submitting recommendations to the Government for consideration and decision. Based on the actual needs of workers, the Vietnam General Confederation of Labour has proposed two options for increasing the regional minimum wage, with average increases of 8.5% and 9.8%.

Workers are expecting an increase in the regional minimum wage in 2027. In the photo: Workers at a manufacturing enterprise in Dong Nai. Photo: Nguyen Hoa

According to observations, workers are hoping for a reasonable increase in the regional minimum wage to partly offset rising living costs. The regional minimum wage is seen as a key foundation that helps workers secure their livelihoods and creates motivation for them to remain committed to enterprises.

Meeting Minimum Living Standards

According to a survey conducted by the Vietnam General Confederation of Labour among 2,000 workers in seven localities with large concentrations of workers, nearly 27% of workers had to borrow money to cover expenses in 2026, double the rate recorded in 2025, as living costs rose faster than income. The Vietnam General Confederation of Labour’s proposal to increase the regional minimum wage under the two options mentioned above has received support from many trade union officials and workers. This is considered a necessary adjustment to improve workers’ quality of life and support production development.

Mr. Le Van Tien, a worker at Bien Hoa 2 Industrial Park in Tran Bien Ward, said that after more than 14 years of working, his family still has to rent a small room because their income remains limited. According to Mr. Tien, his current salary is only enough to cover essential monthly expenses, making it very difficult to save. Whenever electricity, water, food, or consumer goods prices increase, his family faces additional pressure.

Workers at Eclat Textile Co., Ltd. in Nhon Trach Ward during production hours.

“Adjusting the regional minimum wage is necessary so that workers have better conditions to cover their living expenses. What I hope for most is that wages will be adjusted in line with market price increases, creating motivation for workers to feel secure in their jobs and remain attached to enterprises,” Mr. Tien shared.

For workers, the regional minimum wage is not only a basic income level but also a foundation for ensuring the livelihoods of themselves and their families. It is the main source of income for workers to cover essential needs such as housing, transportation, healthcare, child-rearing, and gradually improving their quality of life. A suitable adjustment of the regional minimum wage contributes to reducing financial pressure and strengthening workers’ confidence in social welfare policies.

In May 2026, a working delegation from the Vietnam General Confederation of Labour conducted a survey on the living conditions, employment, and wages of workers in enterprises across Dong Nai City. The survey results serve as a basis for analyzing and clarifying factors affecting workers’ livelihoods, employment, and income, while also proposing that the National Wage Council continue adjusting regional minimum wage levels in the coming period.

According to Mr. Dang Tuan Tu, Chairman of the Trade Union of Chang Shin Vietnam Co., Ltd. in Tan Trieu Ward, the regional minimum wage is not only significant in terms of income but also contributes to promoting harmonious, stable, and progressive labour relations. In addition, good welfare policies are also a way for enterprises to retain workers. When basic rights and benefits are ensured, workers gain more motivation to work, improve productivity, and remain committed to enterprises in the long term. This also helps enterprises stabilize production and develop sustainably.

Improving Workers’ Living Conditions

In early 2026, many enterprises in Dong Nai proactively adjusted regional minimum wages in accordance with Government Decree No. 293/2025/ND-CP on minimum wage levels for employees working under labour contracts. In addition to wage adjustments, many enterprises also increased allowances and provided support for meals, housing, fuel, and attendance bonuses. These policies have helped raise workers’ actual income and reduce daily spending pressure.

According to the proposal of the Vietnam General Confederation of Labour, Option 1 would increase the regional minimum wage by VND 360,000-520,000, with an average increase of 9.8%. Option 2 would increase the regional minimum wage by VND 315,000-450,000, with an average increase of 8.5% compared with 2026.

Mr. Nguyen Sy Nguyen, Assistant Manager at Global Power Mechanical Co., Ltd. in Trang Bom Ward, said that in early 2026, the company increased workers’ wages by an average of VND 400,000 per person per month. The wage increase was intended to share the burden with workers amid rising living costs, while creating motivation for them to feel secure and remain with the enterprise in the long term. The company currently has orders until the end of 2026 and can ensure stable employment for workers. The company hopes that workers will make greater efforts in their work and accompany the enterprise in its continued development.

At Shingmark Vina Co., Ltd. in An Vien Commune, in addition to increasing wages for all workers by nearly VND 400,000 per person per month from January 2026, workers who have completed one year of employment will receive a seniority bonus increase of VND 100,000 per person, which will continue to accumulate in subsequent years. Previously, the company had also increased attendance bonuses to encourage workers’ working spirit.

For enterprises, adjusting the regional minimum wage means increased cost pressure, especially for labour-intensive industries such as textiles and garments, footwear, seafood processing, and electronic assembly. However, in the long term, this is a necessary investment in human resources. A reasonable wage and benefits policy will help enterprises attract and retain skilled workers, limit workforce fluctuations, and serve as a driver for improving productivity, labour quality, and production and business efficiency.

The expected adjustment of the regional minimum wage from July 1, 2027, is expected to contribute to improving income, enhancing living standards, and creating additional motivation for workers to feel secure and remain committed to enterprises. However, in the long run, the regional minimum wage will only be truly effective when accompanied by synchronized solutions such as inflation control and expansion of the social welfare system. Training and improving occupational skills will also help workers access positions with higher productivity and income.

Thảo My

Source: https://baodongnai.com.vn/