What the 2025 Trade Union Law Means for Vietnamese Workers and Their Rights

Vietnam adopted its new Law on Trade Unions (No. 50/2024/QH15), which goes into effect on July 1, 2025. The Law identifies the Vietnam General Confederation of Labour (VGCL) as the sole organization of employees that is authorized to act as a “national representative organisation” for all matters concerning labour relations and for international relationships governed by union cooperation. This is the first time that the law clarifies what had been a de facto status.

What Does “Sole Representative” Actually Mean?

Clause 1, Article 1 then states that VGCL will represent workers in:

• the development of policies and laws related to employee welfare.
• the dialogues and negotiations with the state and employers at a national level.
• international relations with trade unions.

Previously VGCL’s role was assumed in reality but now it is legally mandated. The law also places restrictions on other organisations from satisfying those national functions, thereby reinforcing the place of VGCL as the role in employee representation.

How Will This Change Affect You?

1. The VGCL must be included in legislative and regulatory processes with consequences on behalf of workers.
2. Legally authorized to negotiate on behalf of all workers in Vietnam.
3. Only the VGCL may be active in cooperation and treaty making with domestic and international labor.

Who Can Join Unions Under the New Law?

The updated Trade Union Law opens membership rights to:

1. Vietnamese workers “without official contracts” (e.g. freelancers).

2. Foreign workers with contracts of 12 months or greater.

3. To broaden union membership outside the normal enterprise context.

What About Enterprise Level Employee Bodies?

Passing from informal to formal structures, existing employee organisations at companies can now apply for integration into VGCL. If accepted, they will officially become grassroots unions and in so doing the members of these organizations will receive full rights from VGCL.