Proposal for Reduced Working Hours in Vietnam Sparks Debate

In a bid to improve the well-being of workers and enhance their quality of life, the Vietnam General Confederation of Labor has just recommended a reduction in standard working hours to below 48 hours per week.

This proposal, grounded in Resolution No. 101/2019/QH14 of the 8th Session, 14th National Assembly, aims to align with evolving socio-economic dynamics and prioritize the social security goals advocated by labor unions.

Harmonizing Work-Life Balance

Ms. Ho Thi Kim Ngan, Deputy Head of the Labor Relations Department at the Vietnam General Confederation of Labor, underscores the broader objective of enhancing social security alongside the proposed reduction in working hours.

She emphasizes that this move is not only pivotal for the health and well-being of workers but also contributes to mitigating occupational hazards and bolstering overall work efficiency. By affording workers additional time for recuperation, family engagements, and cultural pursuits, the initiative seeks to foster a safer and more conducive work environment.

While concerns persist regarding potential income reductions stemming from fewer working hours, Ms. Ngan elucidates that the propensity for overtime work is often a symptom of inadequate wages rather than a choice.

Addressing this entails not only curtailing working hours but also ensuring that basic living needs are met through fair compensation. By recalibrating wage structures to align with a standard 8-hour workday, the reliance on overtime as a means of supplementing income can be alleviated.

Balancing Interests Amidst Economic Realities

Former Deputy Minister of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs Pham Minh Huan underscores the intrinsic link between wages, productivity, and working hours.

While acknowledging the global aspiration to reduce working hours, Mr. Huan emphasizes the imperative of maintaining productivity levels. He contends that premature reductions in working hours, particularly amidst economic challenges, could exacerbate operational costs for businesses, potentially leading to adverse ramifications for both employers and employees alike.

In the realm of business, apprehensions regarding the proposed reduction in working hours are palpable, particularly within export-oriented industries.

While acknowledging the potential benefits for workers, industry representatives caution against hasty implementations that could precipitate operational challenges. The delicate balance between fostering worker well-being and safeguarding business interests underscores the necessity for meticulous deliberation and strategic planning.

Navigating Policy Implications

The Ministry of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs underscores the nuanced socio-economic implications inherent in the proposal to reduce standard working hours.

Recognizing the magnitude of this policy shift, the Ministry pledges to conduct comprehensive research to ascertain its feasibility and efficacy within the framework of amending and supplementing the existing Labor Code.

As it stands, the 2019 Labor Code mandates a maximum of 48 hours per week for employees under normal conditions, with enterprises retaining the prerogative to regulate specific working hours, subject to employee notification.

Global Perspectives and Standards

Insights from the International Labor Organization (ILO) provide a contextual backdrop to the discourse on working hours. With Convention 47 advocating for a 40-hour workweek, emphasis is placed on continually reducing working hours without compromising living standards.

The prevalence of the 40-hour standard across a majority of nations underscores a global commitment to fostering conducive work environments that prioritize worker welfare and productivity.

Incorporating ILO standards not only offers a normative framework for regulating working hours but also serves as a benchmark for evaluating socio-economic progress. By aligning with international best practices, countries can proactively address issues of work-related stress, occupational hazards, and socio-economic inequalities.

As Vietnam contemplates the prospect of reducing standard working hours, the discourse transcends mere labor policy to encompass broader socio-economic imperatives.

Balancing the interests of workers and businesses while upholding international labor standards poses a multifaceted challenge that necessitates careful calibration and stakeholder engagement.

Ultimately, the pursuit of adjusted working hours signifies a commitment to fostering inclusive growth, wherein the well-being of workers remains paramount amidst the evolving dynamics of the global labor landscape.