The 2024 Trade Union Law consists of 6 chapters and 37 articles (an increase of 4 articles compared to the 2012 Trade Union Law), taking effect from July 1, 2025.
The Law has added cases of exemption, reduction, and suspension of trade union fee payment in Article 30.
Mr. Le Dinh Quang - Deputy Head of the Department of Legal Policy and Labor Relations (Vietnam General Confederation of Labor) - said that from the practical implementation of supporting businesses facing difficulties during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Trade Union Law 2024 supplements regulations on cases that are considered for exemption, reduction, and suspension of trade union fee payment for businesses, cooperatives, and cooperative unions when facing difficulties, in accordance with the practical situation and aspirations of the business community.
"The addition of cases of exemption, reduction, and suspension of union fee payment aims to reduce the burden on businesses, cooperatives, and cooperative unions when facing difficulties," said Mr. Le Dinh Quang.
Accordingly, Article 30 (Exemption, reduction, and suspension of trade union fee payment) stipulates:
“1. Enterprises, cooperatives, and cooperative unions that are dissolved or declared bankrupt in accordance with the law shall be considered for exemption from unpaid trade union fees.
2. Enterprises, cooperatives, and cooperative unions facing difficulties due to economic reasons or force majeure shall be considered for a reduction in the level of trade union fee payment.
3. 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 to temporarily suspend payment of union fees for a period not exceeding 12 months.
After the suspension period, enterprises, cooperatives and cooperative unions shall continue to pay union fees and make additional union fees for the suspension period. The deadline for additional payment is the last day of the month following the month in which the suspension ends. The amount of additional payment shall be equal to the amount payable for the months of suspension.
4. The Government agrees with the Vietnam General Confederation of Labor to regulate the exemption, reduction, and suspension of trade union fee payment; and to detail other contents of this Article.
