On the afternoon of 9/4, the Vietnam General Confederation of Labor announced it had received numerous proposals to swap monday, 23/11, for a makeup day on the following saturday. This change aims to create a continuous holiday period from 21/11 to 24/11. The proposal stems from Politburo Resolution 80, which designates 24/11 as Vietnam Culture Day, entitling workers to a paid day off. This year, 24/11 falls on a tuesday.

The confederation stated it will continue to gather feedback from its members and collaborate with relevant parties to propose a practical solution.

24/11 is annually chosen by the Politburo as Vietnam Culture Day. Graphics: Ta Lu

To institutionalize the Politburo's policy, the Ministry of Justice is appraising a draft National Assembly Resolution on breakthrough mechanisms and policies for developing Vietnamese culture, prepared by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. The draft stipulates 24/11 as Vietnam Culture Day, granting workers a paid day off and providing free admission to public cultural and sports institutions for citizens on this day.

As this is a new policy not yet included in the Labor Code, it initially needs to be incorporated into a National Assembly Resolution to establish its legal basis before being fully integrated into future law revisions. The draft is expected to be presented to the 1st session of the 16th National Assembly for consideration and to become effective in 2026.

Workers at Quang Chau Industrial Park, Bac Ninh, 3/2026. Photo: Pham Chieu

Previously, the Employment Department (Ministry of Home Affairs) also proposed adding 24/11 as a public holiday during the Labor Code revision process, aligning with the Politburo's directive. This policy is expected to enhance cultural life, encourage artistic creativity, and promote a civilized lifestyle in society.

If approved, the number of official public holidays in a year will increase to 12, including: New Year's Day (one day), Lunar New Year (five days), Hung Kings' Commemoration Day (one day), Reunification Day and International Labor Day (two days), National Day (two days), and Vietnam Culture Day (one day).

Hong Chieu