On 24/4, the National Assembly passed a resolution designating 24/11 as National Culture Day, a paid holiday for workers. Citizens will receive free or reduced admission fees at public cultural and sports facilities, as determined by competent state agencies. The state encourages public participation in cultural activities during this important national holiday.

National culture day on 24/11 was recently designated by the National Assembly as a paid holiday. *Graphic: Ta Lu*

Ngo Duy Hieu, Vice President of the Vietnam General Confederation of Labor (VGCL), stated that union members and workers are highly supportive and enthusiastic about the decision, viewing it as an opportunity to enhance national cultural traditions and strengthen family bonds.

Previously, during an online survey on holiday needs, the trade union received numerous suggestions from workers and grassroots organizations to promptly propose to competent authorities a review of swapping workdays to extend the National Culture Day holiday.

Specifically, since the holiday falls on a tuesday, 24/11, the proposal suggests swapping the monday workday on 23/11 to be made up on the following saturday, 5/12. This would create a four-day consecutive holiday (21/11-24/11) for workers with a two-day weekend schedule, or three consecutive days (22/11-24/11) for those with only sunday off. Grassroots trade unions believe that if this policy is adopted, it should be proposed and announced early to allow all parties to proactively arrange business operations or plan trips to their hometowns or tourist destinations, thereby stimulating tourism.

"Responding to workers' wishes, the VGCL will collaborate with the Ministry of Home Affairs to study a suitable plan and report it to the Prime Minister for a decision", Mr. Hieu stated.

In the long term, the trade union will compile feedback from grassroots organizations and relevant ministries to propose improvements to holiday policies, ensuring they align with daily life and stabilize labor relations in the new context.

Young women in Hue holding kites during a street festival in 2024. *Photo: Vo Thanh*

Immediately, during May, designated as Workers' Month, the VGCL will focus on activities aimed at improving the material and spiritual lives of workers. This includes emphasizing collective bargaining, refining legal policies related to workers, and organizing events in conjunction with the 14th Trade Union Congress.

To commemorate the 140th anniversary of International Labor Day (1/5/1886), the Vietnam General Confederation of Labor organized various activities, including a march of over 1.000 people on several routes. They also honored 140 outstanding grassroots trade union officials for their significant contributions to improving working conditions and enhancing the lives and welfare of union members.

Government agencies are currently researching a bill to amend and supplement several articles of 4 laws within the home affairs sector. This bill is slated for inclusion in the 2026 legislative program of the 16th National Assembly. It includes provisions to amend the Labor Code, formally stipulating 24/11 as a paid holiday for workers. This draft law is expected to be approved during the second session of the 16th National Assembly.

Upon its approval, the total number of official public holidays in a year will increase to 12. These will include: New Year's Day (1 day), Lunar New Year (5 days), Hung Kings Commemoration Day (1 day), Reunification Day and International Labor Day (2 days), National Day (2 days), and National Culture Day (1 day).

Hong Chieu