This means that there is no longer a fixed ceiling for shift meals for employees in 100% state-owned enterprises.
Previously, Circular 26/2016/TT-BLDTBXH stipulated: The company implements the maximum mid-shift meal allowance for employees not exceeding 730,000 VND/person/month. This regulation has been used by many enterprises and trade unions as a basis for developing welfare policies for workers.
However, since June 15, 2025, Circular 003/2025/TT-BNV has officially abolished Circular 26/2016/TT-BLDTBXH. Specifically, Clause 2, Article 19 of the new Circular clearly states: Release Circular No. 26/2016/TT-BLDTBXH dated September 1, 2016 of the Minister of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs....
Thus, the contents of Circular 26 - including regulations on shift meal allowances - are no longer valid. This makes many businesses, especially limited liability companies with 100% state capital, need to review welfare expenditures to ensure compliance with current legal policies.
For the trade union organization, grasping this change is necessary to protect the rights of union members. In the context of no longer having specific ceilings, grassroots unions can negotiate with employers to maintain or improve the quality of mid-shift meals - an important factor in helping to retain and motivate workers.
