8.2.2. Employment practice unions

University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH) recognises the independent representative role of the Trade Union and provides favourable conditions for its operation in accordance with Vietnamese law. The University Board of Management and the Trade Union Executive Committee maintain a close working coordination mechanism to jointly care for and protect the lawful and legitimate rights and interests of all civil servants and employees. Through grassroots democratic mechanisms and Trade Union activities, UEH promotes a fair and inclusive working environment, ensures the participation of female employees, and respects employees’ access to Trade Union representation while protecting the rights and interests of international employees in accordance with the law.

Affirming the Role of the Trade Union and Maintaining Employee Representation Mechanisms

The UEH Trade Union is an organisation within the Vietnam Trade Union system. It coordinates its work with the University Board of Management in implementing grassroots democracy, participating in the development and supervision of policies on employment, salaries, working conditions and employee welfare.

On 11 December 2025, at the Expanded Conference of the UEH Grassroots Trade Union Executive Committee for the 2025–2030 term, the higher-level Trade Union announced the decision recognising the Executive Committee, comprising 13 members, and the Inspection Committee, comprising 3 members. The conference was attended by representatives of the higher-level Trade Union and UEH leadership. The event reaffirmed the close coordination between the Trade Union and University leadership, ensuring a legitimate and continuous employee representation mechanism at UEH.

The Expanded Conference of the UEH Grassroots Trade Union Executive Committee for the 2025–2030 term, announcing the recognition decision and introducing the UEH Trade Union Executive Committee and Inspection Committee for the 2025–2030 term.

Source: UEH Portal – Expanded Conference of the UEH Grassroots Trade Union Executive Committee for the 2025–2030 term, published on 15 December 2025.

Notably, in 2025, UEH developed the UEH Happy University Project, consisting of seven components, with the aim of creating an environment that supports the holistic development of Trade Union members during the 2025–2030 period. As one of the ten strategic projects under UEH’s Multidisciplinary and Sustainable University development orientation, the project affirms that caring for Trade Union members and enabling their holistic development go beyond welfare policies. These commitments are an integral part of the University’s overall development strategy, laying the foundation for human development and the cultivation of UEH culture.

The UEH Happy University Project is one of the ten strategic projects under UEH’s Multidisciplinary and Sustainable University development orientation.

Trade Union Organisation Size and Membership Participation

According to Report No. 26/BC-CĐ dated 30 June 2026 on Trade Union Activities for the 2025–2026 Academic Year, UEH had 1,308 Trade Union members out of a total of 1,373 civil servants and employees, representing a membership rate of 95.3%.

Of this total, 463 female Trade Union members out of 489 female employees were members, equivalent to 94.7%. These figures reflect broad participation among UEH employees, particularly female employees, in the University’s Trade Union organisation.

Compared with the 924 members recorded in 2024, the 2025–2026 academic year report recorded an increase of 384 members, equivalent to approximately 29.4%.

The membership rates of 95.3% among all employees and 94.7% among female employees reflect a high level of confidence in the grassroots representative organisation. For the small number of employees who are not Trade Union members, including experts, employees on short-term contracts and international personnel completing relevant procedures, the UEH Trade Union and the University continue to ensure access to lawful rights, general welfare policies, and mechanisms for dialogue and supervision of working conditions, promoting fairness and inclusion for the entire workforce.

UEH Trade Union membership figures and the membership rate among female employees.

Source: Report No. 26/BC-CĐ dated 30 June 2026, UEH Trade Union.

Ensuring Trade Union Participation Rights for Female and International Employees

Participation and Benefits for Female Employees through Trade Union Activities

The UEH Trade Union focuses on protecting the rights and promoting the participation of female civil servants and employees through its women’s affairs activities, healthcare initiatives, maternity benefits, support for childcare and career development programmes.

In 2025, the Trade Union organised activities to celebrate International Women’s Day on 8 March and Vietnamese Women’s Day on 20 October. Notably, the “Ao Dai Week” programme, held from 3 to 8 March 2025, helped recognise the roles and contributions of women at UEH.

The 2025–2026 Academic Year Trade Union Report also recorded the continued implementation of activities to support female members, including reproductive healthcare, maternity benefits and encouragement to participate in the “Good at University Work – Excellent at Family Responsibilities” movement. With 94.7% of female employees being Trade Union members, the figures demonstrate the substantial representation and participation of female civil servants and employees in the organisation.

Women’s affairs activities and UEH Ao Dai Week 2025.

Trade Union Rights and Labour Policies for International Employees

UEH implements fair and transparent human resource policies within the framework of Vietnamese law, ensuring the rights and interests of all lecturers, experts and international personnel.

Under the 2024 Trade Union Law, which took effect on 1 July 2025, and Guidance No. 16/HD-TLĐ dated 25 September 2026 issued by the Vietnam General Confederation of Labour, foreign employees who are legally working in enterprises, offices and representative agencies of foreign organisations, or non-governmental organisations in Vietnam where a Trade Union organisation has been established may be admitted to the Vietnam Trade Union, provided that they meet all of the following conditions:

• Have a valid employment contract of at least 12 months and participate in social insurance in Vietnam in accordance with the law.
• Agree with the Charter of the Vietnam Trade Union, express their intention to join and voluntarily submit an application for membership.
• Comply with the Constitution and laws of Vietnam.
• Do not fall under the cases specified in Section I, Item 4 of Guidance No. 16/HD-TLĐ.

Based on the above regulations and guidance, UEH is a public service unit. At present, the University has not yet had any foreign employees who meet the eligibility requirements and have completed the formal admission procedures under the guidance. Nevertheless, demonstrating its proactive approach to international integration and readiness for regulatory developments, at the Expanded Conference of the UEH Trade Union Executive Committee on 11 December 2025, delegates acknowledged and submitted recommendations to the higher-level Trade Union regarding the translation of Trade Union documents, the Charter and relevant guidance into English. This would help international experts, lecturers and employees access information more conveniently should they wish to learn about Trade Union membership.

Importantly, even when foreign employees are not Trade Union members, the UEH Trade Union continues to fulfil its representative and supervisory functions in relation to the implementation of employment policies and benefits, and the protection of the lawful and legitimate rights and interests of all employees in accordance with Vietnamese law. This helps ensure a fair, equal and non-discriminatory working environment.

In addition, UEH’s human resource policies and management activities are implemented in a coordinated manner through the functions and responsibilities of the Human Resources and Organisation Development Department, the Committee for the Advancement of Women, and the UEH Happy University Project Committee. These bodies contribute to the implementation of remuneration, welfare and support policies for international employees throughout their employment at the University.

Support for international employees through human resource policies serves as a complementary measure; their right to participate in the Trade Union remains subject to the eligibility conditions and scope stipulated by current legislation.

Legal basis for foreign employees’ right to join Trade Unions, the Expanded Conference of the UEH Trade Union Executive Committee, and discussions on supporting international employees’ access to Trade Union information.

Source: UEH Trade Union website and “Expanded Conference of the UEH Grassroots Trade Union Executive Committee for the 2025–2030 Term”, UEH Portal, 15 December 2025.

Employee Representation, Dialogue and Rights Protection Mechanisms

The UEH Trade Union participates in dialogue activities between the University Board of Management and employees, taking an active role in policy development and supervising the implementation of employment regulations, salaries and working conditions. It also maintains an effective working coordination mechanism with the University Board of Management to safeguard employees’ democratic rights and lawful interests.

On 7 January 2025, UEH organised the 2024 Conference of Representatives of Civil Servants and Employees, providing an opportunity for employee representatives to contribute opinions and supervise activities relating to the rights and interests of the workforce.

Overview of the conference.

On 11 April 2025, the UEH Trade Union organised a thematic briefing on the 2024 Law on Social Insurance, attended by 248 Trade Union members. The session helped employees update their knowledge of relevant policies and gain a clearer understanding of their rights and obligations.

Overview of the briefing session.

On 21 July 2025, the UEH Trade Union held a mid-year review conference to assess its activities during the first six months of the year, continuing to evaluate the performance of its representative functions, member support activities and the implementation of tasks for the following period.

Overview of the conference.

On 20 January 2026, the UEH Trade Union organised its 2025 Annual Review Conference and launched its work programme for 2026.

Overview of the conference.

These activities demonstrate the continued operation of the Trade Union and the fulfilment of its representative functions through specific programmes and mechanisms.

Source: UEH Portal.

Selected Activities Demonstrating Trade Union Functions

Activity	Participants	Content – Description	Results / Impact
1. Expanded Conference of the UEH Trade Union Executive Committee – 11 December 2025	UEH leadership, higher-level Trade Union representatives, Executive Committee members and Trade Union delegates	Announced the decision recognising the Executive Committee for the 2025–2030 term, comprising 13 members, and the Inspection Committee, comprising 3 members; acknowledged the proposal to translate documents into English to support international employees. Mr. Lam Ngoc Man, representative of the Ho Chi Minh City Federation of Labour, and Prof. Dr. Nguyen Khac Quoc Bao, Secretary of the UEH Party Committee, presented flowers to congratulate the newly introduced UEH Trade Union Executive Committee and Inspection Committee for the 2025–2030 term. Source: UEH Portal, Expanded Conference of the UEH Trade Union Executive Committee.	Evidence confirming that the employee representative organisation operates in accordance with the law, while demonstrating proactive preparations to support international employees’ access to organisational information.
2. Conference of Representatives of Civil Servants and Employees – 7 January 2025	UEH leadership, Trade Union representatives, and civil servant and employee delegates	Provided a forum for employee representatives to contribute opinions and exercise grassroots democracy; elected the People’s Inspection Committee for the 2025–2027 term. Overview of the conference. Source: UEH Portal, Conference of Representatives of Civil Servants and Employees.	Direct evidence. Demonstrates mechanisms for employee representation, dialogue and supervision of employee rights and interests.
3. Six-Month Review Conference of Trade Union Activities – 21 July 2025	Executive Committee members, Trade Union officers and UEH leadership	Reviewed representative activities, employee rights protection and member welfare; implemented subsequent tasks and recognised outstanding Trade Union officers. Mr. Bui Thanh Nhan and Prof. Dr. Nguyen Dong Phong presented commendation certificates from the UEH President and UEH Trade Union awards to recognised Trade Union officers. Source: UEH Portal, 2025 Trade Union Mid-Year Review Conference.	Direct evidence. Demonstrates that Trade Union activities are maintained, reviewed and developed.
4. Thematic Briefing on the Law on Social Insurance – 11 April 2025	Trade Union members, civil servants and employees	Provided updates on new social insurance regulations, attracting 248 Trade Union members. Ms. Nguyen Thi Hong Thao, Head of the Social Insurance Benefits Division of Ho Chi Minh City Social Security, delivered the presentation. Source: UEH Portal, Thematic Briefing on the Law on Social Insurance.	Direct evidence of employee rights protection activities. Strengthens employees’ access to information on labour legislation.
5. Women’s Affairs and Support Activities for Female Employees – 2025	Female Trade Union members, female civil servants and employees	Organised Ao Dai Week from 3 to 8 March 2025, alongside healthcare activities and support for female employees’ labour-related entitlements. Source: UEH Trade Union website; Report No. 26/BC-CĐ.	Direct evidence relating to female employees. Demonstrates women’s participation and the protection of their rights and interests.
6. 2025 Trade Union Annual Review Conference – 20 January 2026	Executive Committee members, Trade Union officers and UEH leadership	Reviewed 2025 activities and launched the 2026 work programme. The UEH Trade Union received the Emulation Flag from the Ho Chi Minh City Federation of Labour for the 2024–2025 academic year. Source: UEH Portal, 2025 Trade Union Annual Review Conference.	Direct evidence of the results of 2025 activities, officially announced in the following year.
7. Creative Labour Festival – 15 May 2025	Lecturers, young scientists and the Education Sector Trade Union	Dr. Do Thi Hai Ninh, a UEH lecturer, was recognised as one of the 17 outstanding young scientists nationwide. Source: UEH Trade Union website, summary of activities for the first six months of 2025.	Supporting evidence. Recognises achievements and supports the professional development of female lecturers.
8. Lunar New Year 2025 Welfare Activities	Civil servants, employees, Trade Union members and retired staff	Provided visits and gifts to 417 retired civil servants, 986 current civil servants and employees, and 20 families of deceased current or retired staff members, with a total expenditure of nearly VND 547 million. Source: UEH Trade Union website, summary of activities for the first six months of 2025.	Supporting evidence. Enhances employee welfare and strengthens workplace connections.
9. UEH 2025 Civil Servants and Employees Sports Festival	Trade Union members, civil servants and employees	Organised sports activities and opportunities for interaction among different University units. Tug-of-war and team competitions took place in a lively and cheerful atmosphere during the event. Source: UEH Portal, UEH 2025 Sports Festival.	Supporting evidence. Promotes physical health, mental well-being and collective engagement.
10. Happy UEH Challenge 2025	Civil servants, employees and Trade Union members	Encouraged proposals and initiatives to improve the working environment through Design Thinking. The 2025–2026 academic year report recorded 137 participants. The “Happy UEH Challenge” poster exhibition space. Source: Report No. 26/BC-CĐ, page 4.	Supporting evidence. Encourages employee participation and creativity.
11. Digital Transformation in Trade Union Management	Trade Union officers and members	Implemented Trade Union management software to support data management, activity registration and reporting. Source: Report No. 26/BC-CĐ, page 6.	Supporting evidence. Strengthens organisational capacity and improves the effectiveness of services for Trade Union members.

Conclusion

In 2025, UEH continued to recognise and promote the role of the Trade Union in representing employees, protecting their rights and interests, and providing support for civil servants and employees. The decision recognising the Trade Union Executive Committee for the 2025–2030 term, dialogue conferences, legal information sessions and women’s affairs activities provide evidence of the Trade Union’s presence and practical operations at UEH.

According to Report No. 26/BC-CĐ dated 30 June 2026 for the 2025–2026 academic year, UEH recorded 1,308 Trade Union members out of 1,373 civil servants and employees, representing 95.3%. Among female employees, 463 out of 489 were Trade Union members, representing 94.7%. These results demonstrate broad employee participation and the important role of women within the Trade Union organisation.

With regard to international personnel, UEH respects and complies with the new provisions of the 2024 Trade Union Law concerning the right to join a Trade Union. The University Trade Union has proactively discussed solutions to support access to information in English. At the same time, throughout all stages, the Trade Union and the University work closely together to ensure the lawful rights, legitimate interests and welfare entitlements of international employees, as well as employees who are not Trade Union members.

By respecting Trade Union rights, promoting effective working coordination mechanisms and ensuring inclusive benefits for all employee groups, UEH continues to strengthen a democratic, civilised, inclusive and sustainable working environment, contributing to SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth, particularly Indicator 8.2.2 – Employment Practice Unions.