The Vietnam General Confederation of Labor (VGCL) has put forward a proposal to adjust the minimum wage starting January 1, 2027. During the first meeting of the National Wage Council on June 23, 2026, Trần Thị Thanh Hà, a member of the Standing Committee, emphasized the urgency of this adjustment for workers and their families.

The VGCL has proposed two options for the minimum wage increase for 2027:

• Option 1: An increase of 360,000 to 520,000 VND, averaging a 9.8% rise compared to 2026.
• Option 2: An increase of 315,000 to 450,000 VND, averaging an 8.5% rise compared to 2026.

To support these proposals, the VGCL conducted a survey in March and April 2026 across seven provinces and cities, involving 196 businesses and nearly 2,000 workers. The survey revealed that 54.3% of workers reported their wages were barely sufficient to cover their basic family expenses, a slight decrease from 54.9% in 2025. Additionally, 17.2% indicated they were living frugally, while 20.6% stated they could not meet their living expenses without working overtime.

The financial strain on workers is evident, with 26.8% of respondents regularly borrowing money to manage unexpected expenses, up from 12.5% in 2025. Furthermore, only 52.2% of workers could afford meat and fish in all their main meals, indicating a decline in nutritional standards compared to the previous year.

Regarding education costs, over 55.5% of workers felt their wages only partially covered their children's educational expenses, highlighting the ongoing financial burden. In terms of healthcare, 39.8% of workers reported that their income only met basic healthcare needs, which raises concerns about their long-term health risks.

Housing conditions have also worsened, with 32.1% of workers renting private accommodations, an increase from 20.8% in 2025. The average living space per person has decreased, indicating a growing challenge in housing availability and affordability.

As for family planning, 55.3% of unmarried workers cited wages as a primary factor affecting their decision to marry, while 72.9% of married workers indicated that their current income influenced their decision to have more children. The rising cost of living and child-rearing expenses are prompting many couples to delay starting families.