Vietnam Labor Union Proposes Adding 2 Public Holidays

Vietnam's General Confederation of Labor (GCL) has proposed adding two more public holidays to the country's annual calendar, a move aimed at enhancing worker well-being and stimulating the economy.

Ngo Duy Hieu, vice chairman of the GCL, explained at a press conference on June 5 that the additional holidays would allow employees to better recover from work, reduce stress, and combat burnout. Furthermore, the GCL believes this could boost domestic consumption and tourism.

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Compared to the general level of countries in the region, the number of public holidays in Vietnam is not yet as high as the average. Thus, there is room to increase public holidays in Vietnam.

A notable aspect of the proposal is to link one of the new holidays with the National Day. This would create an opportunity for parents to attend the first day of school with their children, an event considered significant for families. Hieu noted that Vietnam's current number of public holidays is lower than the regional average, indicating room for expansion.

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The increase in public holidays will create opportunities for workers to reproduce their labor capacity, thereby working with higher productivity and better quality. At the same time, this is also an opportunity for workers to take care of their families and contribute to stimulating consumption, especially in the service and tourism sectors.

Addressing concerns that more holidays might negatively impact businesses, Hieu argued the opposite. He stated that improved worker productivity and quality of work resulting from better rest would benefit companies. He also reiterated the potential for increased spending in the service and tourism sectors.

The GCL's proposal stems from extensive consultations with union members and workers who expressed a desire for more time to focus on family and personal well-being. Hieu emphasized that formalizing such provisions aligns with legal frameworks when conditions permit, ensuring workers benefit from these recognized holidays.

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Through practical union activities, we have listened to many union members and workers. They have a very simple but very humane dream, which is to be able to take their children to school on the first day of school. The presence of parents with their children on the first day of class has special meaning for children and families.