Vietnam labor federation backs workweek of 40-44 hours, extended National Day break
Vietnamese workers are hoping for a shorter standard workweek of 40-44 hours and two additional days off during the National Day holiday, with labor representatives arguing that the changes could improve well-being and ultimately enhance productivity, a senior labor union official said on Thursday.
Speaking at the 14th Vietnam Trade Union Congress for the 2026-31 term in Hanoi, Ngo Duy Hieu, vice-president of the Vietnam General Confederation of Labor, presented workers’ recommendations to the Communist Party of Vietnam and the government, based on tens of thousands of submissions nationwide.
The proposals included a comprehensive amendment of the 2019 Labor Code, in response to the current economic and technological changes, including advances in artificial intelligence and the green transition.
Two of the proposals attracted particular attention: shortening the workweek to 40-44 hours and adding two days to the National Day holiday this year, extending the break from September 2 through September 5.
Longer National Day break proposed
Under the current Labor Code 2019, employees receive two days off for National Day, including September 2 and one adjacent day determined annually by the prime minister.
If the holiday coincides with a weekly day off, workers are entitled to a compensatory day off.
However, workers are seeking an additional two days off during the National Day holiday to extend the break from September 2 through September 5.
Ngo Duy Hieu, vice-president of the Vietnam General Confederation of Labor, speaks at the 14th Vietnam Trade Union Congress held in Hanoi on June 4, 2026. Photo: Nam Tran / Tuoi Tre
The proposal reflects a common desire among Vietnamese parents to accompany their children on the first day of the school year, which is held annually on September 5.
The labor federation has repeatedly advocated for the proposal, noting that many shift workers and factory employees are unable to attend school opening ceremonies with their kids.
Workers seek workweek of 40-44 hours
Under the 2019 Labor Code, normal working hours are capped at eight hours per day and 48 hours per week.
Meanwhile, the proposal calls for a reduction in the standard workweek to 40-44 hours, bringing it consistent with working hours in the public sector.
Hieu said any reduction in working hours should be accompanied by measures to improve labor productivity and support the country’s goal of achieving double-digit economic growth.
Vietnamese workers currently receive 11 paid public holidays annually, including one day for New Year’s Day, five for Lunar New Year, one for Hung Kings Commemoration Day, one for Reunification Day, one for International Workers’ Day, and two for National Day.
Separately, the National Assembly recently approved a resolution on the development of Vietnamese culture, which takes effect on July 1, 2026.
Under the resolution, November 24 is designated as Vietnam Culture Day, bringing the total number of paid public holiday days to 12 days annually.
Van Giang - Ha Quan - Nam Tran / Tuoi Tre News
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