Vietnam labor union proposes extending National Day holiday for workers

Vietnam's General Confederation of Labour has proposed extending the National Day holiday by two days, creating a four-day break from September 2 to 5. This proposal, presented to national leaders, aims to allow workers, particularly those in shift-based jobs, to accompany their children to school on the opening day of the academic year.

During a session of the 14th National Congress of Trade Unions, the confederation submitted five key recommendations, compiled from tens of thousands of worker opinions. Among these is a call for a comprehensive revision of the 2019 Labour Code to align with current socio-economic development. Specifically, they suggest a phased reduction of the standard working week to 40-44 hours, matching the public sector's 40-hour week.

"Workers get more rest but work with higher efficiency, productivity, and effectiveness," stated Ngo Duy Hieu, Vice President of the General Confederation of Labour. He recounted an instance where a female factory worker tearfully shared her inability to attend her child's school opening for several years due to demanding work schedules. This is particularly challenging in foreign-invested enterprises where altering shift patterns can disrupt entire production lines.

Associate Professor Dr. Bui Hoai Son, a National Assembly delegate, views the proposal as a humane initiative that goes beyond mere days off. He sees it as reflecting a shift towards a development model prioritizing productivity, technology, and modern labor organization over simply extending working hours. This aligns with rising living standards and the increasing importance of rest and mental well-being for the workforce.

“

Workers get more rest but work with higher efficiency, productivity, and effectiveness.