Vietnam adds national culture day as paid holiday
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In Vietnam, people will soon have an additional paid day off work, November 24th, designated as National Culture Day.
For years, the author experienced the need for time to engage with culture after a busy period allowed a simple day trip with family. This led to support for including the day in labor laws, increasing the total number of paid holidays to 12 annually.
November 24th commemorates the first National Cultural Conference in 1946, led by Ho Chi Minh, but the new holiday aims to bring culture into daily life for families across the country. While some business owners expressed concern about the cost of an extra day of paid leave, the author argues that rest and cultural engagement benefit workers’ well-being, family connections, and even the economy.
The author stresses that the holiday will be most meaningful for those who do not have the means to create their own leisure time. They advocate for accessible cultural programs, reduced fees, and increased transportation options, particularly for vulnerable groups like children, the elderly, people with disabilities, and workers in essential services. The proposed labor law also requires the publication of the following year’s holiday schedule by September 30th, allowing businesses, schools, and families to plan ahead.
