Government requires full salary, bonus for workers

Hanoi (VNS/VNA) - The Government requires enterprises to give sufficient salaries and year-end bonuses to employees, and have policies to encourage workers to return to work after the Tet (Lunar New Year) holiday.

It is part of Resolution 156/NQ-CP on the regular Government meeting last month, which was signed by Permanent Deputy Prime Minister Pham Binh Minh.

Also in the resolution, the Government requested the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs (MoLISA) to give direction to localities to support people who have made great contributions to the nation and the poor to have a safe and joyful holiday.

Localities should encourage enterprises to get employees back to work, and limit labour shortages after the holiday.

The Government required localities to keep a close watch on staff reductions in enterprises having difficulties, and promptly report to the Prime Minister. They must guide enterprises to implement policies for workers based on regulations.

The MoLISA will assume the prime responsibility for, and coordinate with the Ministry of Public Security, the Vietnam General Confederation of Labour (VGCL), the Vietnam Social Security and concerned agencies in reviewing the list of workers who have lost their jobs, especially in industrial zones, to urgently implement support policies.

The Government asked the Ministry of Transport to ensure smooth transportation of goods and passengers during the Lunar New Year holiday, as well as convenience and safety.

In the resolution, the Government requests the Ministry of Public Security to effectively control crimes during the holiday to keep social security and order.

Tran Thi Thanh Ha, head of the Labour Relations Division under the VGCL, said that industries facing difficulties due to falling orders could reduce wages and Tet bonuses.

Ha added that Tet bonus this year would fall by 15-20% compared with last year. The number of people receiving 100 million VND (4,200 USD) would be few. Most people will have bonus equal to one or two months' salary.

This year has seen many changes for both enterprises and workers. In the first months of the year, enterprises employed many people with high salaries. But from June onwards, the situation changed. Enterprises limited recruitment and did not have many new jobs at the end of the year.

Despite many difficulties, the Hung Yen Garment Corporation decided to give Tet bonuses to employees equal to two months' income.

It is an increase of 10% compared with last year.

Nguyen Xuan Duong, Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Textile and Apparel Association, said as for the textile, leather and footwear industries, the end of this year is an extremely difficult period.

But, in general, export turnover still exceeded the target and workers’ salary was adjusted up.

Tet bonus of the industry still has remarkable growth compared to the previous year.

The average salary increased by about 5-7%. Workers would receive at least one month's salary as a bonus, he said.

Phan Thi Thanh Xuan, Vice Chairwoman of the Vietnam Leather, Footwear and Handbags Association, said that enterprises in the industry committed to ensuring workers’ rights, especially for the Tet bonus.

This year, despite orders declining, enterprises maintain the bonus, which increased by 5 to 6% compared with last year./.