HCM City (VNA) ﷽- Nearly 1 million workers of more than 12,600 businesses with trade trade unions in Ho Chi Minh City have returned to work following the nine-day Lunar New Year (Tet) holiday, reaching 85.33% of their total workforce, according to the municipal Labour Federation.

Among the firms, more than 150 companies located in the city's export processing zones, industrial parks, and high-tech zones have welcomed back over 45,700 workers. Notably, Pou Yuen Vietnam Co., Ltd., the largest employer in Ho Chi Minh City, reported that over 86.45% of its 38,400 employees have returned to work, kicking off the new year with a high spirit. The company organised Tet celebrations and handed out traditional lucky money to workers who reported to work on time. Meanwhile, trade unions have arranged cultural activities and games with lucky draw prizes to boost morale. The remaining businesses are set to resume operations between February 5 and 7, while some employees are still on annual leave or traveling. In the public sector, nearly 100% of government officials, civil servants, and public employees have returned to work on the first working day of the year. Pham Chi Tam, Vice President of the Ho Chi Minh City Labour Federation, stated that the return of workers in the private sector has been stable and in line with production schedules. He highlighted workers’ appreciation for the city’s trade unions, which ensured timely and thoughtful Tet support. Tam urged trade unions at all levels to closely monitor labour relations, business operations, and compliance with labour laws, ensuring that workers receive full wages for January 2025 and any remaining Tet bonuses. This is especially important for companies with unstable labour relations or past disputes, he said. He also asked trade unions to report on worker attendance from February 4 to 12, while collaborating with authorities to help businesses fill labour shortages due to increased post-Tet production demands and connect job seekers with employers in need of workers./.