Speaking at the ministry's regular press briefing on June 18, Chu Thi Hanh, Deputy Director General of the Department of Employment, said authorities are still gathering feedback and assessing public opinion on the proposal.

According to Hanh, views remain divided. Some workers support additional days off because it would allow parents to accompany their children to school during the opening ceremony at the start of the academic year. Others, particularly factory workers, prefer to continue working during the period in order to increase their income.

As a result, the proposal requires further review and monitoring of public sentiment, while awaiting guidance from competent authorities.

The Department of Employment serves as the advisory body to the Ministry of Home Affairs on policies related to working hours, rest periods and public holidays.

During the ongoing revision of the Labor Code, the department proposed a framework under which the Prime Minister would determine the specific annual holiday schedule based on actual conditions. The Minister of Home Affairs would then be responsible for announcing the official calendar before December 31 of the preceding year.

Department officials noted that current legislation only stipulates the total number of public holidays and does not specify how holiday schedules should be arranged each year. When a public holiday coincides with a weekly day off, consultations and adjustments are required, making it difficult for businesses, government agencies and citizens to plan well in advance.

"Granting the Prime Minister authority to determine specific holiday schedules would provide greater flexibility and better reflect practical needs," Hanh said.

Earlier, in a report summarizing recommendations from union members, workers and trade union organizations submitted to the 14th Congress of the Vietnam Trade Union, the Vietnam General Confederation of Labour proposed adding two additional days off around National Day.

Under the proposal, workers would enjoy a continuous holiday from September 2 through September 5.

The confederation said the proposal would help parents accompany their children on the first day of school while also contributing to improved quality of life for workers across the country.

Vu Diep