The Enduring Importance of International Workers’ Day

A Historical Milestone for Workers’ Rights

International Workers’ Day has its roots in the late 19th century, emerging from the workers’ rights movement in the US. Over time, it has become a global day of action, with workers around the world uniting to fight for fair and just treatment. In Vietnam, May 1, 1930, marks a significant date in history when the country’s working class, led by the Communist Party of Vietnam, took to the streets to demand better working conditions, higher wages, and reduced working hours. Their struggle, though challenging, paved the way for a pivotal chapter in the workers’ movement, culminating in the powerful Nghe Tinh Soviet movement.

The 2023 launch of the Action Month on Occupational Safety and Health marked a significant step forward.

Following the August Revolution in 1945, President Ho Chi Minh demonstrated his respect for the contributions of workers by issuing a decree recognizing May 1 as a fully-paid public holiday. This acknowledgment underscored the vital role that workers play in the country’s development and progress.

As Vietnam enters a new phase of growth, workers are not just a productive force but also direct creators of surplus value. They are the backbone of businesses, helping them overcome post-pandemic challenges, restore production, and achieve sustainable development. The COVID-19 pandemic may have disrupted many industrial parks and factories, but it also showcased the resilience, discipline, and unity of Vietnam’s working class.

Workers’ unions organize celebratory events to commemorate International Workers’ Day.

Across Vietnam, trade union chapters at various levels have organized a plethora of practical activities and emulation movements to mark May 1st. These events are often connected to other significant occasions, such as the Liberation of the South (April 30) and President Ho Chi Minh’s birthday (May 19). These movements go beyond symbolism, aiming to improve production quality and enhance the living conditions of workers.

Wanek Furniture workers showcase their nutritious and well-presented shift meals.

Nutrition and Care: The New Measure of Worker Satisfaction

In the past, shift meals may have been an afterthought for many enterprises. However, today, the quality of these meals has become a barometer of how much a company values its workforce. Goertek Company is a shining example in this regard. Their workers’ union actively shares images on social media of nutritious and hearty shift meals served in a spacious, clean, two-story cafeteria. The daily menu caters to a variety of tastes and dietary preferences, offering regional specialties and even vegetarian options to keep employees energized and engaged.

The Workers’ Union of Bac Thang Long Industrial Park, with nearly 145,000 members, operates like a sharing community, where a simple workers’ meal can garner thousands of likes. Similarly, the worker union at Denso Vietnam Co., Ltd. expresses their gratitude and respect for their employees through clean, nutritious, and well-presented meals.

The attention given to workers’ meals is a reflection of a company’s commitment to its employees’ well-being and a recognition that its people are its most valuable assets. It is this mindset that fosters sustainable development and long-term success.

May 1st serves as an annual reminder to reflect on the essential role and contributions of workers. They are the backbone of every nation’s progress, and their dedication and hard work deserve our deepest respect and gratitude. From the protests of 1930 to the nutritious shift meals of 2025, the journey of Vietnam’s workers has been one of sweat and hope, underscoring the importance of human dignity in the workplace.

International Labor Day, May 1st, commemorates not just a historical milestone but also a continued commitment to responsibility and gratitude toward workers. They are the silent force that drives economic vitality, and their journey, marked by sweat and hope, affirms the dignity of labor.

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