Workers complain about not being given weekly days off
Recently, Lao Dong Newspaper received a reflection from workers of AaChen Optical Fiber Conec Technology Co., Ltd. (abbreviated as AaChen Company). Accordingly, a worker working on the 4th floor of the production department reflected that the company is requiring workers to work continuously 7 days/week, including Sundays, without arranging weekly days off for workers.
This has been going on for a long time and is mandatory. We are forced to work overtime, but many times we want to go home to our families, but the company makes it difficult, causing us to stay overtime" - workers reflected.
Immediately after receiving feedback from workers, reporters of Lao Dong Newspaper worked with the Trade Union of AaChen Company and representatives of the Trade Union Affairs Committee of Hai Phong City Labor Federation to verify.
AaChen Company is headquartered in Do Son Industrial Park, Hai Phong, mainly operating in the field of manufacturing optical fibers and cables. The company currently has more than 1,400 employees.
According to representatives of the company's Trade Union, after the Lunar New Year, many workers quit their jobs. Meanwhile, with a large number of orders, in March, the company arranged for workers to work all day on Sundays more (previously arranged to work alternately on Sundays). However, the arrangement of overtime is completely voluntary. Before arranging overtime, workers all sign the application, clearly stating the time they can work overtime depending on their needs.
According to grassroots trade union documents, on weekdays, workers work overtime an average of 2-4 hours. On Sundays, work 8 hours. Specifically, on March 29, 2026, workers work overtime from 8 am to 5 pm due to urgent exports.
Representatives of the grassroots trade union said that arranging employees to work on Sundays is also unwilling because the company will have to pay 200% of salary, the cost is very large. Therefore, when organizing overtime work, the company requires departments to conduct surveys of employees' opinions through the form of signing confirmation of agreement on the overtime registration board, there is no pressure on employees to work overtime as reflected.
The Trade Union also coordinated with the 4th floor trade union group (where the complainant works) and the 4th floor production manager to investigate, but did not record any cases of workers being forced to work overtime, and there have been petitions reflecting and protesting against overtime" - Ms. Nguyen Thi Nga - Chairwoman of the Company's Trade Union informed.
Strictly handle if "forced" acts are detected
To ensure publicity, transparency, and compliance with regulations, recently, AaChen Company also issued a notice that the company does not force overtime work for employees to know, implement and supervise. In case of detecting violations, employees should report through the grassroots Trade Union, the Administration - Human Resources Department or the suggestion box for the company to handle promptly and objectively. If it is verified that there is an act of forcing overtime work, the company will strictly handle the responsibilities of individuals and collectives involved in accordance with the law and company regulations.
Representatives of the Trade Union Board of Hai Phong City Labor Federation Industrial Park said that the Board is requesting the company to continue reviewing the arrangement of working hours, rest hours and overtime hours. Along with that, compare labor regulations, shift division tables, timekeeping, salary tables, overtime pay tables and registration forms, and collect opinions from overtime workers to ensure compliance with regulations.
The Industrial Park Trade Union continues to monitor, guide, and coordinate with businesses and grassroots trade unions to implement the above content. From there, build harmonious and stable labor relations, ensure workers' rights, and create conditions for business development.
