The Vietnam General Confederation of Labour has announced the results of its consultation with union members, civil servants, public employees and workers regarding proposed adjustments to the compensatory leave schedule for the Hung Kings Commemoration Day in 2026 and the April 30 - May 1 holiday period.

The survey, conducted from April 8, gathered more than 70,000 responses as of 7am on April 9. Approximately 62% of respondents supported the proposal, with 47.04% stating they “strongly support” it and 14.82% indicating they “support” it.

Most respondents said the adjustment would help create a longer, uninterrupted holiday, allowing workers to rest, recover and spend more time with their families.

A representative of the Vietnam General Confederation of Labour noted that under the 2019 Labour Code, if a weekly rest day coincides with a public holiday, workers are entitled to take a compensatory day off on the next working day.

However, in 2026, the Hung Kings Commemoration Day (April 26 in the Gregorian calendar) falls close to the April 30 - May 1 holiday, separated by only two working days. Without appropriate adjustments, the holiday period would be fragmented, with working days in between, causing inconvenience for workers.

From this perspective, the confederation believes a more flexible approach is needed, one that both ensures compliance with legal principles and meets the legitimate needs of workers. A longer holiday would not only support physical and mental recovery but also help stimulate consumption and tourism, contributing to economic growth.

The organisation has proposed further study to refine regulations, maintaining the principle of compensatory leave while introducing flexibility in special cases where holidays fall close together. Under this approach, the Prime Minister could be authorised to decide on swapping working days before or after holidays, based on proposals from ministries and feedback from worker representative organisations.

Regarding upcoming holidays, the confederation also noted that under Resolution 80-NQ/TW of the Politburo, November 24, 2026 will be designated as “Vietnam Culture Day”, with full paid leave.

As the date falls on a Tuesday, many suggestions have been made to shift the working day on Monday (November 23) to the following Saturday, creating a continuous four-day holiday.

In the coming time, the Vietnam General Confederation of Labour will continue to gather feedback from grassroots levels and coordinate with relevant agencies to propose policy improvements, aiming to enhance worker welfare and stabilise labour relations in the evolving context.

 
Vu Diep