According to the Bac Ninh Federation of Labor, more than 86.5% of enterprises with trade unions have negotiated, signed or revised collective labor agreements.

Trade union leaders in Tan Yen commune review workers’ living and production conditions at local enterprises.

About 80% of those agreements contain three to five provisions offering benefits beyond the minimum standards required by law.

Trade unions at all levels have adopted a more active approach, participating directly in every stage of the process, from gathering workers’ opinions and preparing negotiation plans to monitoring implementation after agreements are signed.

The shift comes as enterprises face mounting challenges linked to labor shortages, workforce fluctuations and higher living expenses.

Ensuring employee welfare and maintaining stable labor relations have become increasingly important for manufacturers and exporters operating in the province’s industrial zones.

At Lens Technology Vietnam Co., Ltd. in Quang Chau Industrial Park, the grassroots trade union conducts monthly consultations with workers through production teams and assembly lines.

Every three months, employees’ feedback and proposals are compiled and discussed with company management.

Suitable recommendations are then incorporated into collective labor agreements in different phases, helping ensure that the agreements reflect workers’ actual needs, particularly in areas such as housing support, transportation allowances and meal quality improvements.

Pham Thi Thu, Vice Chairwoman of the company’s trade union, said negotiations require persistence and a long-term strategy rather than simple demands.

Labor officials say this more systematic and practical approach reflects a broader change in the role of trade unions, from passive communication to active representation of workers’ interests.

Instead of merely conveying workers’ concerns, unions are increasingly balancing employees’ demands with the financial capacity and production conditions of enterprises to seek solutions that benefit both sides.

Provincial trade unions have also expanded training programs to improve negotiation skills among grassroots union officials and established advisory groups to support unions during the bargaining process.

The quality of collective labor agreements is now included in annual performance evaluations for grassroots unions, creating additional incentives to improve negotiations and implementation.

Authorities say collective labor agreements are delivering tangible benefits for workers at many enterprises across the province.

Samsung Display Vietnam Co., Ltd. in Yen Phong Industrial Park, which employs more than 26,000 workers, has adopted agreements aimed at maximizing employee welfare.

Under the current agreement, workers receive productivity bonuses twice a year, childcare support, maternity assistance, free meals and additional nutritional support for pregnant female employees.

At Sphere Vina Co., Ltd. in Bo Ha commune, workers are entitled to attendance bonuses of 1.4 million VND (53 USD) for completing 26 working days per month, fuel allowances of 200,000 VND and housing support based on job position.

Employees also receive monthly phone subsidies ranging from 50,000 VND to 500,000 VND, along with childcare support for preschool-age children and children under six years old.

Production line at Sphere Vina Co., Ltd.

The Bac Ninh Federation of Labor said it plans to further improve the quality of collective labor agreements by focusing on core issues such as wages, bonuses, working hours, rest periods and occupational safety.

A key priority will be strengthening the negotiation capacity of grassroots trade union officials, considered a decisive factor in improving the effectiveness of labor agreements.

Training programs are being expanded to equip union representatives with legal knowledge, negotiation skills and the confidence needed to represent workers effectively during bargaining processes.

At the same time, labor authorities are increasing inspections and supervision of agreement implementation to identify and address cases where enterprises fail to fully comply or apply agreements only in a formal manner.

Officials say the ultimate goal is to ensure collective labor agreements become a meaningful tool for improving workers’ living standards and maintaining stable, harmonious labor relations as Bac Ninh continues to develop as one of Vietnam’s leading industrial centers.

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