Vietnam’s fertility rate fell to 1.91 children per woman in 2024 down from 1.96 in 2023, and well-below the 2.1 replacement rate needed. This has been raised as a concern in the context of its impact on Vietnam’s labour supply.

Revised Vietnam Law on Trade Unions passes NA, impact re: Convention 87 unclear

the-shiv November 28, 2024

Specifically, to be compliant with these agreements Vietnam needs to ratify the International Labour Organisation Convention 87. This would require allowing trade unions to be established independent of the Vietnam General Confederation of Labour with which all labour unions must currently be affiliated…

HCMC labour shortages ongoing concern in lead up to Tet

the-shiv November 25, 2024

The article carries interviews with several migrant workers that have complained costs are too high in the city and highlights satellite industrial hubs like Binh Duong as more affordable with a better quality of life…

Ministry proposes solid nine-day stretch for Tet holiday in Vietnam in 2025

the-shiv September 18, 2024

Notably, in 2024, the holiday ran from Thursday, February 8 to Wednesday, February 14 leaving just two days to be worked in the week, and in 2023 it ran from Friday January 20 to Thursday January 26, leaving just one working day left in the week. In this context, a continuous nine-day break would be a welcome change.

Human Resources in Vietnam: Ultimate Guide 2024

the-shiv September 16, 2024

Vietnam’s human resources landscape is undergoing significant transformation as the country integrates more into the global economy. With rapid economic growth, companies are increasingly focused on strategic HR management to align with both local and international standards. With all of this in mind, this article looks at the key human resources related factors foreign firms should be aware of when operating in Vietnam.

Labour Contracts in Vietnam: Ultimate Guide 2024

the-shiv September 16, 2024

In Vietnam, labour contracts are governed by the Labour Code, which establishes the rights and obligations of both employers and employees. Labour contracts must be clearly defined and meet specific legal requirements to ensure the protection of both parties. Here is a detailed overview of the key elements of labour contracts in Vietnam:

Private sector CEOs in Vietnam on almost double SOE counterparts

the-shiv September 9, 2024

Notably, earlier this year the Prime Minister of Vietnam, Pham Minh Chinh, suggested SOEs should consider foreigners for executive positions. He went on to say that better remuneration packages and higher salaries would be key. This latest development adds some context to the Prime Minister’s remarks and suggests that improvement in remuneration would need to be sizable.

EuroCham exec says high attrition rates in Vietnam key challenge

the-shiv August 18, 2024

Of note, the average wage of factory workers in Vietnam is generally higher than most other industries. On top of those wages, factory workers are also entitled to a number of relatively standard entitlements…

Vietnam ‘unlikely’ to see minimum wage hike in 2025

the-shiv August 12, 2024

Of note, the National Wage Council meets at least once a year to discuss the minimum wage in Vietnam. That said, the minimum wage does not necessarily rise every year. For example, during COVID minimum wage rises were put on hold. Similarly, as Vietnam’s economy struggled in 2023 minimum wage hikes were delayed until 2024…

Vietnam PM suggests foreign workers for executive roles at state-owned enterprises

the-shiv June 17, 2024

In the past the leaders of SOEs have always been members of the Communist Party of Vietnam which has significantly reduced the talent pool from which to draw–there are currently only a little over 5 million members of the party or around 5 percent of the population. This also leaves these positions open to being filled through political jostling and networking often connected to seniority and an individual’s position within the party more broadly, rather than merit and qualifications…

Intel executive laments poor labour productivity in Vietnam

the-shiv May 28, 2024

Labour productivity is a recurring theme in Vietnam with the country trailing in Southeast Asia. In 2021, it was fourth to last of ASEAN member states (excluding Burnei), ahead of only Myanmar, Cambodia, and Lao. According to the Asian Productivity Organisation Vietnamese workers were productive to the tune of…

Vietnam’s lowest paid civil servants on less than US$200 a month

the-shiv May 26, 2024

If a plan to raise the salaries of Vietnam’s lowest paid civil servants is approved, it will see their pay increase to no less than VND 5 million, about US$200 a month. This will be roughly in line with the region 1 minimum wage from July 1st but still quite

Vietnam minimum wage regions to change at next wage hike

the-shiv May 23, 2024

The four regions by which Vietnam defines what minimum wage should be paid where, are to be updated this year when the minimum wage rises in July. This will see several local government areas move up a bracket giving an extra boost to minimum wage workers in these areas. Moving

Minimum wage hike of 6 percent submitted to Vietnam government for approval

the-shiv May 18, 2024

This will be welcome news for Vietnam’s minimum wage workers with no minimum wage hike last year despite inflation floating around 4 percent. The Vietnam General Confederation of Labor had been pushing for between 6.48 percent and 7.3 percent with the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry, a peak business representative body, pushing for between 4.5 and 5 percent. Vietnam’s National Wage Council, which makes recommendations to the ministry, looks to have essentially split the difference.

Cutting the 48 hour work week back in the news in Vietnam

the-shiv May 13, 2024

Overtures have been made by the Vietnam General Confederation of Labour–the VGLC–to the Ministry of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs to reduce standard working hours below the current 48 hours a week. This was announced back in January, however, in recent weeks the idea has gained traction with local

Reports workers are resigning in anticipation of changes to social security

the-shiv May 13, 2024

Worker retention has become a problem at some firms in Vietnam due to pending changes to the ability to access social insurance before retirement. Currently, workers can choose to take a one-time payout if they are out of work for more than a year. There have, however, been reports that

Analysis of Vietnam’s approach to trade union reforms per the EVFTA/CPTPP

the-shiv March 13, 2024

DW is carrying this analysis of Vietnam’s approach to ratifying the UN International Labor Organization’s Convention 87 which would allow independent trade unions in Vietnam. Of note, it carries comments from Joe Buckley, a researcher specialising in labour and development in Southeast Asia. He points out that Vietnamese law makes

Vietnam set to ratify key UN trade union convention this year

the-shiv February 28, 2024

Vietnam is set to ratify the UN’s Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organise Convention this year, Reuters is reporting citing UN officials and diplomats.This would essential give workers the right to organise their own trade unions independent of the government–currently, all trade unions must be affiliated

Vietnam to see minimum wage hike from July 2024

the-shiv December 21, 2023

Vietnam’s National Wage council has approved a 6 percent pay raise for Vietnam’s minimum wage workers from July 1, 2024, VN Express is reporting. The Vietnam General Confederation of Labor had been pushing for between 6.48 percent and 7.3 percent whereas the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry, a peak

Claims for unemployment benefits in HCMC fall in November

the-shiv December 4, 2023

Only 13,300 people were registered to receive unemployment benefits in HCMC in November, a drop of nearly 25 percent from June, VN Express is reporting. The publication is saying that this is a sign that the wave of layoffs that have plagued the manufacturing sector may have slowed this year.