In the second meeting on the morning of July 11, 13/16 members of the National Wage Council voted in favor of the 7.2% increase, reaching an approval rate of more than 81%. The meeting took place earlier than planned in August.
According to the proposal, the minimum wage in region 1 will increase from VND4.96 million to VND5.31 million per month; region 2 from VND4.41 million to VND4.73 million; region 3 from VND3.86 million to VND4.14 million; and region 4 from VND3.45 million to VND3.7 million. The hourly minimum wage will also be converted accordingly from the monthly salary.
| Region | From 1/7/2024 (million dong) | Expected 1/1/2026 (million dong) | Amount (thousand dong) |
| I | 4.96 | 5.31 | 350 |
| II | 4.41 | 4.73 | 320 |
| III | 3.86 | 4.14 | 280 |
| IV | 3.45 | 3.7 | 250 |
| Average | 4.17 | 4.47 | 300 |
Chairman of the National Wage Council Nguyen Manh Khuong said that the 7.2% increase is appropriate to the current economic situation.
Meanwhile, the representative of the business sector - Vice President of the Vietnam Confederation of Industry and Commerce (VCCI) Hoang Quang Phong - commented that this is still a high level and "still has concerns". However, due to operating on the principle of high consensus, VCCI accepted this plan and said that businesses will need time to adjust production plans and retain skilled workers.
On the other hand, the Vietnam General Confederation of Labor maintains its position of proposing a 9.2% increase in the minimum wage to offset the cost of living and cope with the pressure of rising prices. Vice President of the General Confederation Ngo Duy Hieu emphasized that wage increases are not a burden for businesses but a motivation for all parties to work together to develop.
This proposal is based on positive economic indicators, with the GDP growth rate in the second quarter estimated at 7.96% - the second highest in the 2020-2025 period. However, workers' lives are still affected by the continuous increase in gasoline and essential goods prices.
A survey conducted by the Vietnam General Confederation of Labor in April with more than 3,000 workers in 10 provinces and cities showed that 55% of workers only had enough to cover basic expenses; 26% had to live on a shoestring; 8% did not have enough to live on and had to work extra. Notably, 73% of single workers said that their current salary was the main reason they were not married because they could not ensure a stable standard of living or provide for their children in the future.
According to the General Statistics Office, the average income in the second quarter reached 8.2 million VND, down from the first quarter due to the absence of allowances and Tet bonuses. Male workers have an average income of 9.3 million VND/month, while female workers have an average income of 7 million VND. In the first 6 months of the year, the average income increased by 10% compared to the same period in 2023, reaching 8.3 million VND.
The most recent adjustment of the regional minimum wage was on July 1, 2024, with an increase of 6%, which is considered to be harmonious between businesses and employees, basically ensuring a minimum standard of living in 2025. Currently, the minimum hourly wage ranges from 16,600 to 23,800 VND, depending on the region.
HA (according to VnE)Source: https://baohaiphongplus.vn/luong-toi-thieu-vung-du-kien-tang-7-2-tu-1-1-2026-416122.html
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