2007 Update on Vietnam Labor Law September 3, 2007 Vietnam, with a current population of more than 85 million, has an estimated labor force of 45 million (was 38 million in 1998). About 2/3 of the population is under the age of 30. Vietnam has sent some 500,000 workers to work overseas. Working conditions for Vietnam workers are gradually improving. The minimum age for full-time employment is 18. Vietnam labor law has special provisions for workers between 15 and 18 years of age. Many children have reportedly worked in violation of this law. The law established working hours at eight hours per day with a mandatory 24-hour rest period per week. The state-controlled VGCL (the Vietnam General Confederation of Labor) is the sole labor organization, and all workers automatically become members. Vietnamese workers were not free to choose or form independent labor unions. The government prohibited strikes at organizations that serve the public or are important to the national economy or defense, and the Prime Minister decides what organizations come under that definition. Most strikes occur against foreign-invested businesses. The labor law requires the government to set minimum wages. Effective in 2006, the minimum wages per month at foreign-invested companies have been increases: $US 55 in HMC City and Hanoi, $US 50 other major cities, and $US 45 other areas. The rate was set at $US 30 for foreign-invested joint ventures in 2002. In 2002, Vietnam agriculture sector (including forestry and fishing) employed nearly 2/3 of the labor force, and 1/3 in industry, construction and service sectors. Labor Regulations Labor Code Continued