Vietnam Proposes Unified Workday Swap to Create a 4-Day New Year Holiday in 2026

Trade union backing signals strong worker support for longer break

Vietnam is moving closer to a four-day New Year’s holiday in 2026 after the country’s top labor organization voiced strong support for a nationwide workday swap, citing broad approval from workers and alignment with their well-being and productivity needs.

Speaking to local media, Vietnam General Confederation of Labor Vice President Ngo Duy Hieu confirmed that the union supports the proposal put forward by the Ministry of Interior. The plan would swap Friday, January 2, 2026 (a regular workday) with Saturday, January 10, 2026, enabling a continuous four-day break for New Year’s Day.

Following a request for consultation from the Ministry of Interior, the trade union conducted a rapid survey among union members and workers via its official fanpage. By noon on December 24, the poll had gathered 46,304 responses, with 62% of participants supporting the workday swap arrangement. Based on these results, the trade union agreed unanimously with the proposal.

According to Mr. Hieu, extending the New Year holiday reflects the common aspirations of workers. He emphasized that longer breaks allow employees to recover physically and mentally, which in turn improves morale, productivity and overall work efficiency once they return to work.

Workers operate machines at a steel mill in HCM City. Measures are being tightened in major markets for Vietnamese products such as steel. — VNA Photo

Under the proposal, public servants and state employees would enjoy four consecutive days off, from Thursday, January 1, 2026, to Sunday, January 4, 2026. This period would include New Year’s Day as a public holiday, one swapped workday, and the regular weekend.

The Ministry of Interior also encouraged employers in the private sector to adopt the same holiday arrangement where possible, while fully complying with labor laws and ensuring employee benefits. The ministry further urged businesses to negotiate arrangements that are even more favorable to workers.

If approved, the unified workday swap would mark another step in Vietnam’s gradual shift toward more worker-friendly holiday planning, balancing economic activity with the growing demand for rest, family time and quality of life.

Related

Source: Vietnam Insider