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With the tradition of compassion in Ho Chi Minh City and the responsibility of authorities at all levels, General Secretary and State President To Lam said he believes the living standards of workers and employees will continue to improve.
In anticipation of the anniversaries of the Reunification Day (April 30, 1975 – April 30, 2026) and International Workers’ Day on May 1, General Secretary To Lam and the Central Delegation visited and encouraged workers and employees in Ho Chi Minh City on the morning of April 27.
During the visit, the General Secretary expressed his pleasure that, in recent times, trade unions at all levels, Ho Chi Minh City authorities, enterprises, and the broader community have carried out many practical measures to care for workers.
He noted that many housing, health-care, and welfare programs have been implemented, including gifts for workers in need, support for workers’ children, and assistance for workers with serious illnesses, workplace accidents, or unemployment. While these efforts may not resolve all difficulties, he said they are warm and humane and reflect the good character of the system, ensuring that no one is left behind.
The General Secretary urged Ho Chi Minh City to continue prioritizing worker welfare as a key political task, pursued regularly and over the long term.
He called for a more thorough review of housing needs for social housing and worker dormitories, as well as schools, kindergartens, health stations, cultural facilities, and community centers in industrial zones, export processing zones, and other areas with large worker populations. He emphasized that workers should have not only jobs but also stable housing, with improvements in wages, benefits, and working conditions, alongside access to safety and healthcare and educational opportunities, as well as opportunities for cultural life, study, and recreation.
The General Secretary urged trade unions to be closer to workers, listen to workers’ voices, and practically protect workers’ rights and legitimate interests.
He said unions should be present when workers face difficulties, illness, wage arrears, unemployment, or workplace accidents, and should serve as a true home and reliable support for members.
He also urged enterprises and employers to continue investing in workers. He said sustainable development requires fair wages and benefits, safe working conditions, and respectful treatment. Employers should listen to workers’ initiatives and provide opportunities to upgrade skills, he added, noting that when workers feel secure, engaged, and proud of their workplace, enterprises become stronger and more stable in the long run.
The General Secretary said the country is entering a new development phase with opportunities but also challenges, as science and technology are changing rapidly and raising demands for productivity, quality, and skills.
He urged workers to maintain confidence, unity, and the will to upskill; actively learn trades; improve skills; practice industrial discipline; and develop digital and foreign-language capabilities if possible.
He called on each worker to strive to learn a new skill, perform their job better each day, propose ideas, improve processes, save resources, ensure safety, and improve product quality.
Despite ongoing challenges, the General Secretary said workers continue to stay healthy, care for their families, and show solidarity in housing arrangements, workshops, and communities. He described Vietnamese workers as not only proficient in labor but also admirable for their kindness and solidarity.
He emphasized that behind growth targets and production lines are the concrete lives of every worker and their families, and that each policy and timely act of care can ease family difficulties, help children attend school, and strengthen workers’ faith in the future.
With the tradition of compassion in Ho Chi Minh City and the responsibility of all levels and sectors, General Secretary and President To Lam said he believes workers’ lives will continue to improve. He added that Ho Chi Minh City workers will continue to uphold the tradition of diligence, creativity, compassion, and solidarity, balancing family responsibilities with contributing to the development of a city named after Uncle Ho and the beloved country of Vietnam.
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