Workers in Vietnam see fall in wages in Q3’2021 due to COVID-19

The pandemic has affected the livelihoods and wages of workers in Vietnam, as the average monthly income of workers in Q3’2021 has fallen to VND$5.2 million (US$229), down VND$877,000 (US$39) quarter-on-quarter and VND603,000 (US$27) year-on-year, data from the General Statistics Office of Vietnam show.

In Q3’2021, the number of employed workers fell sharply compared to the previous quarter and over the same period last year, writes Saigon Online. 

Some sectors were also hit worse compared to others. These include workers in the services sector, whose average monthly income fell VND$1 million (US$44) or 14.3% quarter-on-quarter to VND$6.2 million (US$273).

Monthly wages of workers in the industrial and construction sector fell by VND$906,000 (US$399) or 13.5%, to VND$5.8 million (US$256).

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A gender gap also persists, with male workers receiving a higher average monthly wage of VND$6 million (US$264), as compared to their female counterparts, who are receiving VND$4.3 million (US$189). 

The average income of workers in cities was also found to be 1.35 times higher than workers hailing from rural areas.