What do Ha Tinh workers think about the increase in regional minimum wage?

(Baohatinh.vn) - The increase in regional minimum wage from January 1, 2026 is expected to help Ha Tinh workers improve their income, thereby giving them more motivation to work and stay with the business for a long time.

On July 11, the National Wage Council voted to finalize the regional minimum wage increase plan for 2026 at 7.2% to ensure workers' livelihoods. The increase will take effect from January 1, 2026.

Specifically, the minimum wage in Region I increased from 4.96 million VND/month to 5.31 million VND/month (an increase of 350,000 VND). Region II increased from 4.41 million VND/month to 4.73 million VND/month (an increase of 320,000 VND). Region III increased from 3.86 million VND/month to 4.14 million VND/month (an increase of 280,000 VND). Region IV increased from 3.45 million VND/month to 3.7 million VND/month (an increase of 250,000 VND).

The National Wage Council has agreed on a plan to increase regional minimum wages by 7.2%, equivalent to VND250,000 - 350,000/month depending on the region, from January 1, 2026.

Minimum wage is the lowest wage paid to workers doing the simplest work under normal working conditions, to ensure the minimum living standards of workers and their families, in accordance with socio -economic development conditions. The application of regional areas is determined according to the place of operation of the employer, implemented according to Clause 3, Article 3 of Decree 74/2024/ND-CP. Employers operating in any region will apply the minimum wage prescribed for that area. From July 1, 2025, the determination of regional minimum wages will also be changed to be determined according to commune-level administrative units, instead of district-level as before.

Ha Tinh province, region III includes wards: Song Tri, Hai Ninh, Hoanh Son, Vung Ang, Thanh Sen, Tran Phu, Ha Huy Tap and communes: Thach Lac, Dong Tien, Thach Khe, Cam Binh, Ky Hoa. Region IV includes the remaining communes and wards.

Workers work at Song La Xanh Packaging Joint Stock Company.

Faced with the news that the regional minimum wage will increase from 2026, many Ha Tinh workers expressed their excitement and joy that their income will increase. Ms. Duong Thi Thanh - a worker at Song La Xanh Packaging Joint Stock Company (Duc Tho commune): “I used to work in Binh Duong , with a better income, but because I was far from home, I decided to return to my hometown to work 4 years ago. In the context of having to struggle with increasingly "escalating" costs, improved income will help us reduce difficulties, improve our spirit of effort, enthusiasm for work, and better work efficiency. Although this minimum wage increase is not much, having more money is still valuable. Moreover, this is not just a salary but also a recognition. Being cared for by the State also makes us feel warmer.”

As a garment worker at Nghi Xuan Pro Sport Garment Factory (Tien Dien Commune), Ms. Nguyen Thi Khuyen shared: “When I heard the news that the State would adjust the regional minimum wage from 2026, many of my colleagues and I were very excited. This increase in the minimum wage helps us feel that we are sharing some of the difficulties in life. Although it is not a large increase, it still helps improve our income, creating motivation for us to work with peace of mind.”

Garment is an industry that needs to recruit a large number of workers, however, recruitment has still faced many difficulties in recent times.

Garment enterprises are units that need a large number of workers. The salary paid to workers is based on the regional minimum wage. However, because most factories are in region IV, which has a low minimum wage, the income of workers in Ha Tinh is also lower than in many other localities. This is one of the reasons why labor recruitment has been difficult in recent times because workers tend to look for job opportunities in areas with higher wages. To attract and retain workers, most businesses now pay salaries and benefits higher than the regional minimum wage.

Ha Tinh Garment Factory 10 (located in Vung Ang Economic Zone) specializes in garment processing for export to the US, China, and Japan markets. In 2025, the factory aims to reach a revenue of over 2 million USD. Currently, the company has 394 employees and is in need of recruiting more than 300 employees to meet the production line and orders from partners.

Ha Tinh Garment Factory 10 currently has 394 employees.

Mr. Tran Bao Khanh - Chairman of the Trade Union of Ha Tinh Garment Factory 10 said: "Recently, the unit has implemented many policies to ensure maximum benefits for workers. Currently, the average income of workers is 8.5 million VND/person/month. Although we have had quite good treatment policies, it is still difficult to recruit new workers due to the nature of the job and competitiveness with high-tech manufacturing enterprises in Vung Ang Economic Zone. Increasing the regional minimum wage with an average increase of 7.2% from 2026 will be a condition for workers to enjoy better policies and also create "attraction" for businesses to recruit new workers and retain workers for the long term."

Increasing regional minimum wages will help motivate workers to work and stay with businesses more.

The adjustment of the regional minimum wage is a practical and timely policy, especially in the context of the current continuous increase in prices of essential goods and services. The minimum wage is not only the basis for ensuring a minimum living standard for workers, but also demonstrates the State and society's concern and sharing for workers - the force that plays an important role in socio-economic development. However, in addition to the joy, many workers also expressed concerns about the price of goods and the cost of living that will increase when wages increase. Therefore, workers hope that the Government will have solutions to effectively control inflation and stabilize prices of essential goods.

Ms. Tang Thi Linh Chi - Vice President of the Provincial Labor Federation, Head of the Trade Union Work Committee of the Provincial Fatherland Front Committee said: "Although this increase in regional minimum wage may not fully meet the expectations of some workers, it is a remarkable effort to improve their lives, creating more conditions for workers to take better care of themselves and their families, especially for low-income manual workers.

When income is improved, workers will feel more recognized for their contributions, thereby having more motivation to work, improving productivity, work quality and being assured of long-term commitment to the business, contributing to reducing the rate of personnel fluctuations. On the part of the Provincial Federation of Labor, we will continue to accompany trade union organizations and union members to ensure harmonious interests, stable production and sustainable development."

Source: https://baohatinh.vn/nguoi-lao-dong-ha-tinh-nghi-gi-khi-tang-luong-toi-thieu-vung-post291943.html