Labour confederation proposes reducing working week to 44 hours
The Vietnam General Confederation of Labour (VGCL) has recommended cutting weekly working hours to 44 from the current 48, saying it would improve workers’ wellbeing, family life and relationship.
A worker at a garment and textile firm in Vietnam (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) – The Vietnam General Confederation of Labour (VGCL) hasrecommended cutting weekly working hours to 44 from the current 48, saying itwould improve workers’ wellbeing, family life and relationship.
At a press conference held in Hanoi on September 17, Deputy Head of VGCL’sDepartment of Labour Relations Le Dinh Quang highlighted that Vietnam is among countrieswith longest workweeks in the world, just behind Kenya and Seychelles (over 48hours).
Meanwhile, Vietnamese workers are entitled to a minimum of 12 days statutoryannual paid leave, which is among the fewest in the world.
According to Quang, reducingworking hours is a progressive trend of mankind. Along with the development ofproduction means, less working hours ensures higher productivity while maintainingworkers’ health, and giving workers more time to take care of their familiesand take part in social activities.
“Shorter working week will help increase the number of workers in the labourmarket, and give workers more time to rest and study so as to further theircompetence and skills”, Quang said.
The VGCL also suggested adding more public holidays, proposing two options, oneof which is four days off to celebrate the National Day (from September 2-5), andthe other is one day off for the Vietnamese Family Day (June 28), and two daysfor the New Year holiday on solar calendar./.
The reduction of working hours from 48 hours per week to 44 hours will create difficulties for textile and garments enterprises, according to one leading expert.
The Vietnam General Confederation of Labour (VGCL) has requested the drafters of the revised Labour Code maintain the proposal to cut working time from 48 hours per week to 44 hours per week.
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A worker at a garment and textile firm in Vietnam 
