With 443/456 delegates present in favor, on the morning of November 27, the National Assembly passed the amended Trade Union Law. One of the notable provisions is to continue maintaining the 2% trade union fee contribution rate.

In addition, the new law also amends and supplements regulations to clarify the principles of management and use of trade union finances; amends and supplements expenditure tasks of trade union finances; and supplements regulations on the Vietnam General Confederation of Labor to decentralize the collection and distribution of trade union funds.

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Delegates press the button to pass the amended Trade Union Law. Photo: National Assembly

The Vietnam General Confederation of Labor issues standards, norms, spending regimes and management and use of trade union finances after reaching agreement with the Government.

Notably, the new law adds the responsibility of the Vietnam General Confederation of Labor to periodically report to the National Assembly every two years on the situation of revenue, expenditure, management and use of trade union finances.

At the same time, supplement the responsibility of the State Audit, periodically every two years, to conduct audits of the management and use of trade union finances and conduct surprise audits at the request of the National Assembly and the National Assembly Standing Committee.

Cases of exemption, reduction, and suspension of union fee payment

Regarding trade union funds, the amended Trade Union Law has added cases of exemption, reduction, and suspension of payment in Article 30.

Specifically, enterprises, cooperatives, and cooperative unions that are dissolved or bankrupt according to the provisions of law will be considered for exemption from the amount of unpaid union fees. Enterprises, cooperatives, and cooperative unions that are facing difficulties due to economic reasons or force majeure will be considered for a reduction in the amount of contributions.

In case an enterprise, cooperative or cooperative union encounters difficulties and has to temporarily suspend production and business, leading to the inability to pay union fees, it may be considered for temporary suspension of payment for a period not exceeding 12 months.

After the suspension period, enterprises, cooperatives and cooperative unions shall continue to pay fees and make up for the suspension period.

The deadline for payment is the last day of the month following the month in which the suspension ends. The amount of payment is equal to the amount payable for the months of suspension.

The Government will regulate these cases after agreeing with the Vietnam General Confederation of Labor.

Supplementing the trade union's right to supervision and social criticism

Reporting on the reception, explanation and revision of the bill before the National Assembly votes, Chairwoman of the Social Committee Nguyen Thuy Anh said that compared to the current law, the Trade Union Law (amended) has 7 groups of basic new points.

In particular, the new law expands the scope of regulation to include Vietnamese workers working without labor relations in Vietnam, who have the right to establish, join and operate in the Vietnam Trade Union organization.

At the same time, supplement the right to join and operate trade unions at grassroots trade unions (without the right to establish or become trade union officials) of foreign employees working in Vietnam under labor contracts with a term of 12 months or more.

This, according to Ms. Thuy Anh, is to ensure consistency with the 2019 Labor Code, meet the requirements of international integration, and ensure equality between Vietnamese workers and foreign workers working in Vietnam.

The next new point is to add the right to join the Vietnam Trade Union of the employee organization at the enterprise.

The new law also clearly defines and distinguishes “Vietnam Trade Union” from “Vietnam General Confederation of Labor”, clearly stipulates 4 levels of trade unions. At the same time, it affirms that “Vietnam Trade Union is the only organization representing workers at the national level in labor relations”.

Compared with the current law, the law supplements the principles of organization and operation of Vietnam Trade Unions and clarifies the principles and contents of international cooperation on trade unions.

In particular, the law has added the right to supervision and social criticism of trade unions.

The amended Trade Union Law takes effect from July 1, 2025.

Mr. Nguyen Dinh Khang: Union funds directly paid to workers account for 84%

Mr. Nguyen Dinh Khang: Union funds directly paid to workers account for 84%

Chairman of the Vietnam General Confederation of Labor Nguyen Dinh Khang said that 75% of union funds are spent on grassroots unions, and 25% are spent on three levels of unions. However, in reality, the proportion of direct spending on workers is up to 84%.