Vietnam labor body to seek feedback, including via social media, on swapping April 30-May 1 holidays

Under the Labor Code, employees are entitled to one day off for Hung Kings’ Commemoration Day and two days for the Reunification Day and International Workers’ Day holiday.

In 2026, the Hung Kings holiday, which falls on the 10th day of the third lunar month, coincides with Sunday, April 26. Workers will receive a compensatory day off on Monday, April 27.

For the Reunification Day and International Workers’ Day holiday, the two official days off fall on Thursday and Friday. Combined with the weekend, workers will have a four-day break from April 30 to May 3.

These schedules apply to public sector employees, while private sector workers may use annual leave to extend their breaks.

According to Vice-President of the Vietnam General Confederation of Labor Ngo Duy Hieu, many workers, unions, and businesses have proposed moving the make-up day for the Hung Kings’ Commemoration Day from Monday, April 27 to April 29 or May 2.

Hieu said no formal proposal has been made as the confederation must first gather opinions, review legal provisions, and consult the Ministry of Home Affairs.

“To make a formal proposal, the confederation must first gather opinions from grassroots unions and workers, including through social media channels, review relevant legal provisions, and balance the interests of all parties before putting forward an official recommendation,” he said.

Ho Thi Kim Ngan, a labor relations official, said some businesses and unions in Dong Nai Province and Ho Chi Minh City supported the swap, which could create a three-day break from April 29 to May 1 or a four-day holiday from April 30 to May 2.

She said the current calendar may result in fragmented work and rest days, especially for employees who work on Saturdays.

Under the Labor Code, workers are entitled to a compensatory day off on the next working day when a public holiday coincides with a weekly rest day.

Officials said this rule limits the ability to swap days and prevents arbitrary scheduling that could affect workers’ rights.

Some experts have suggested revising the law to allow more flexible arrangements through agreements between employers and unions.

They also recommended announcing annual holiday schedules earlier to help organizations and workers plan.

Vu Trong Binh, head of the home affairs ministry’s Employment Department, said the 2026 holiday schedule has already been finalized and there is no new policy to change it.