The proposal was included in a report summarizing recommendations from trade union members, workers and labor organizations submitted to the 14th Vietnam Trade Union Congress.

Presenting the report at the congress on June 4, Vice President of the Vietnam General Confederation of Labour Ngo Duy Hieu said the organization's Presidium had received tens of thousands of comments covering 60 different issues raised by workers, civil servants, employees and trade union officials nationwide through congresses held at all levels.

From these submissions, the Executive Committee of the Vietnam General Confederation of Labour selected five major groups of issues to report to Party and State leaders as well as delegates attending the congress.

One of the most notable recommendations is the proposal to add two more days to the National Day holiday, extending the break from September 2 through September 5.

According to the confederation, a longer holiday would not only help parents take their children to school on the opening day of the academic year but would also contribute to improving workers' quality of life and mental well-being.

The proposal is also linked to broader efforts to enhance labor productivity and support the country's goal of achieving double-digit economic growth.

In addition, the confederation proposed introducing regulations requiring employers to provide paid leave for workers to participate in educational activities related to Party guidelines and State laws and policies. Such activities could be organized in connection with Vietnam Law Day on November 9 each year.

The trade union organization also submitted recommendations related to Party building, government administration and working-class development, as well as sustainable job creation, wage improvements, social security protection, employee welfare and more effective implementation of laws and policies.

Under Vietnam's current Labour Code, employees are entitled to 11 paid public holiday days each year, including one day for New Year's Day, five days for Lunar New Year, one day for the Hung Kings Commemoration Day, one day for April 30, one day for May 1 and two days for National Day.

Beginning in 2026, the total number of paid public holiday days will increase to 12 after Vietnam Culture Day on November 24 was officially designated as a public holiday.

This is not the first time the Vietnam General Confederation of Labour has proposed extending the National Day holiday. During the 13th Vietnam Trade Union Congress, the organization also recommended adding two extra days around September 2 to help parents accompany their children on the first day of school.

According to a notice from the Ministry of Home Affairs, civil servants and public employees will receive a five-day National Day holiday in 2026. In addition to the official holidays on September 1 and September 2, a working day on Monday, August 31, will be swapped with Saturday, August 22, creating a continuous holiday period from August 29 through September 2.

Vu Diep