Post by : Shakul
At the 14th Congress of the Vietnam Trade Union on June 4, 2026, General Secretary and President To Lam presented a forward-thinking vision aimed at revitalizing the trade union system in Vietnam, with the goal of enhancing the lives of countless workers nationwide.
Addressing trade union leaders, government officials, and delegates nationwide, To Lam highlighted that Vietnam is on the cusp of a new developmental era that calls for a modern, well-qualified, and innovative workforce. He acknowledged that workers play a crucial role in the country’s industrialization and modernization, emphasizing that sustainable economic progress hinges on the protection of their rights and improvement of living conditions.
To Lam commended the previous term's achievements by trade unions, pointing out their substantial contributions to policy formation, worker welfare initiatives, employment support, legal aid, and events like Tet Reunion and Workers' Month. He noted that these accomplishments have bolstered the bond between grassroots unions and workers.
However, he recognized significant challenges still confronting the trade union sector. Some unions, according to To Lam, are overly bureaucratic and have not adequately prioritized the urgent needs of workers. He also highlighted issues affecting migrant workers, informal laborers, and those in industrial settings regarding housing, healthcare, education, income, and social security.
In his address, To Lam outlined six key priorities for the upcoming term, including the development of a skilled workforce, ensuring that workers are central to union activities, reinforcing grassroots unions, fostering harmonious labor relations, advancing digital transformation in union operations, and amplifying the unions’ role in socio-political growth.
A significant segment of his speech emphasized the importance of equipping workers for the challenges posed by technological advancements. To Lam stressed the necessity of lifelong learning, digital skills training, and adaptability as AI and automation redefine labor dynamics.
He also advocated for establishing a modern digital system within trade unions that could provide legal aid, gather worker feedback, monitor labor conditions, and enhance service delivery. To Lam contended that future trade unions must prioritize transparency, professionalism, data-driven decision-making, and responsiveness to worker demands.
Wrapping up, To Lam expressed optimism that Vietnam's Trade Union would evolve into a more robust and effective entity. He called upon all government levels, businesses, and civil organizations to collaborate in enhancing worker welfare, safeguarding labor rights, and nurturing a modern workforce to achieve Vietnam’s long-term developmental aspirations.
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