New Trade Union Law adopted, foreign workers allowed to join trade unions
VOV.VN - With a majority of votes in favour, the National Assembly approved the amended Trade Union Law at its ongoing eighth session in Hanoi on November 27.
The newly passed law has 6 chapters and 37 articles, an increase of four articles compared to the current law.
Among amendments, Vietnamese workers operating outside formal labor relationships within Vietnam are granted the right to establish, join, and participate in trade unions. The Vietnam General Confederation of Labour remains the sole national representative organization for workers in labour relations at the national level.
The law maintains the contribution rate for trade union fees at 2%. Amendments clarify the principles for managing and utilizing trade union finances, ensuring transparency and accountability.
Trade unions are granted additional powers for social supervision and criticism, enhancing their role in advocating for workers’ rights and contributing to policy development.
Notably, foreign workers employed in Vietnam under fixed-term labour contracts of 12 months or more are eligible to join and participate in trade union activities at the grassroots trade union level.
Deputies shared the view that encouraging foreign workers in Vietnam to join trade unions brings cultural, intellectual, and professional diversity to these organizations. Foreign workers can share their knowledge, skills, and experiences, help enhance the unions’ ability to integrate internationally and foster stronger connections between domestic and foreign workers, and facilitate the adoption and development of advanced operational models.
Allowing foreign workers to join trade unions provides them with an additional channel to protect their rights and voice their opinions, ensuring that both foreign and domestic workers have equal access to representation and advocacy. In addition, expanding the right for foreign workers to join trade unions reflects the open, progressive, and integrative development of Vietnam’s trade union system in line with global labour practices.
The amended Trade Union Law is scheduled to take effect as of July 1, 2025.
