The International Labour Organization (ILO) and the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs on June 29 introduced a guidebook on the law aimed at the garment industry.

The director of ILO's representative office in Vietnam , Rie Vejs Kjeldgaard, said yesterday the guidebook would help clarify the labour laws, which were often difficult for the general public to understand.

The book, "Guide to Vietnamese Labour Law for the Garment Industry," was published in English and Vietnamese and directed at managers, workers, and legal officers in the garment industry, she said.

The book comprises 10 chapters, addressing labour matters like minimum working age, labour disputes, discrimination, occupational health and safety, and wages and benefits.

The book helps managers and workers in the industry understand their responsibilities and benefits.

According to Nguyen Van Tien, chief inspector of the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs, labour law compliance has led to many problems, including strikes.

Tara Ragarajan, director of the Better Work Vietnam project, said the guidebook was designed in a way that offered easy understanding of the law among stakeholders. It explains the law in simple language and provides case studies that will help further compliance.

The Better Work Vietnam project, a co-operation project between ILO and the International Finance Organisation, produced the book with consultation from inspectors at the labour ministry./.