(VOVWORLD) - A revised Labor Code was adopted on November 20th at the year-end session of the 14th National Assembly. Now it’s important to ensure the amendments of the Labor Code are enforced to serve the interests of employers and employees.
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The revised Labor Code will take effect on January, 2021. The revision process began in 2016. Before being submitted to the National Assembly, it was widely discussed to collect opinions.
Positive comments
The amendments will have a direct impact on the rights of employers and employees, labor relations, the labor market, socio-economic development, and social security.
Major revisions were made to labor contract issues like salaries and yearly overtime hours. Doan Mau Diep, a former Minister of Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs, said: “Revising the Labor Code protects the rights and interests of workers and gives them a voice in resolving issues related to their rights and interests in the workplace.”
The revision raises the retirement age in response to population aging and changing labor market demand. It defines the establishment of a workers’ trade organization, not belonging to the Vietnam Trade Union, in line with the Conventions of the International Labor Organization and other international commitments.
ASEAN Secretary General Lim Jock Hoi said that it's an important milestone for the labor sector. The revisions will contribute to ASEAN's development orientations in the future, particularly relating to the ASEAN Declaration on human resources development and social affairs.
The revised Labor Code contains revisions relating to employers. It codifies the representative role of the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Vietnam Cooperative Alliance, and other organizations that protect employers’ legitimate rights and interests and build advanced labor relations. It extends the right of employers to unilaterally terminate labor contracts. The state can no longer intervene in salary policies which have been negotiated by the parties involved.
Communications
National Assembly deputy Nguyen Huy Thai of Bac Lieu province recommends measures to publicize the revised Labor Code. “Agencies should enhance communications to make sure people understand and agree with the new regulations.”
National Assembly deputy Le Cong Nhuong of Binh Dinh province said: “In order to implement the law, there should be decrees and circulars to guide enforcement. The issuance of sub-law documents should be closely monitored.”