Directive No. 06/1999/CT-NHNN15 on the implementation of Decision No. 188/1999/QĐ-TTg dated September 17, 1999 in the banking sector

DIRECTIVE

Regarding the Implementation of Decision No. 188/1999/QĐ-TTg dated September 17, 1999 in the Banking Sector

On September 17, 1999, the Prime Minister issued Decision No. 188/1999/QĐ-TTg on the regulation of a 40-hour workweek over five days (resting on Saturdays and Sundays) for officials, civil servants, and workers in administrative agencies, units, political organizations, socio-political organizations, and enterprises. This is a new policy directly related to and affecting the operations of banks, credit institutions, units under the State Bank, and the economy and population. Therefore, to effectively implement Decision No. 188/1999/QĐ-TTg of the Prime Minister, the Governor of the State Bank issues the following directive:

1- All units within the banking sector must strictly comply with the government's policy on a 40-hour workweek for workers, thoroughly understand and fulfill the requirements and conditions when implementing the 40-hour workweek in a week as directed by the Prime Minister in Decision No. 188/1999/QĐ-TTg; ensure normal operations without impacting the economy, particularly the provision of services to the population and other transactions. Specific requirements for each unit are as follows:

a- For units assisting the Governor of the State Bank in performing state management functions and central bank functions, representative offices, and provincial and municipal branches of the State Bank and affiliated units (excluding the Banking Academy):

Implement rest days on Saturdays and Sundays starting from October 2, 1999. To implement this policy, each unit must promptly rearrange labor reasonably within the approved staffing limits; improve labor productivity, implement cost savings, especially administrative costs, ensuring the completion of tasks.

The Legal Department shall lead and coordinate with relevant departments and bureaus of the State Bank to review current regulations on payment, security, credit... to ensure legal consistency and synchronization with the government's 40-hour workweek policy, creating favorable conditions for organizations to operate normally and protecting customer rights.

To ensure convenience for banks and credit institutions to complete transactions with the State Bank, units of the State Bank directly involved in transactions with banks and credit institutions must extend their treasury and payment transaction hours on Fridays until 16:00.

The Administrative Bureau, Central Treasury Branches, and provincial and municipal branches of the State Bank must proactively arrange staff for security work, if there is a shortage, internal transfers within the unit must be implemented to ensure continuous 24/7 security operations. Branches facing difficulties in security staffing should report to the Organization and Training Department for the Governor of the State Bank to decide.

b- For commercial banks and credit institutions:

- State-owned credit institutions: The Chairman of the Board of Directors and General Director (Director) of state-owned credit institutions shall independently decide the start time and implementation plan for the 40-hour workweek according to the Circular guiding the Ministry of Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs, but must ensure normal economic service, particularly services for the residential area and other transactions.

- Joint-stock credit institutions, joint venture credit institutions, foreign bank branches operating in Vietnam: Encourage joint-stock credit institutions, joint venture credit institutions, and foreign bank branches operating in Vietnam to implement a 40-hour workweek over five days in accordance with the spirit of Decision No. 188/1999/QĐ-TTg dated September 17, 1999 of the Prime Minister.

c- For enterprises under the State Bank, the Banking Academy:

- The implementation of a 40-hour workweek over five days at the Banking Academy shall be carried out according to the guidance of the Ministry of Education and Training.

- For enterprises under the State Bank: The Board of Directors and General Director (Director) shall decide according to the Circular guiding the Ministry of Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs, but must ensure stable income for workers, steady production and business development of the enterprise, and timely supply of products in the industry and society.

2- The Chairman of the Board of Directors and General Director (Director) of credit institutions and enterprises under the State Bank shall decide on the implementation plan for the 40-hour workweek of their units and must notify the Provincial Department of Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs, branch of the State Bank in the locality, the State Bank of Vietnam (Organization and Training Department), customers, and the public before implementation.

When implementing the 40-hour workweek, adequate attention must be given to security work for treasuries and offices. The Chairman of the Board of Directors and General Director (Director) of credit institutions must actively rearrange or recruit additional staff to ensure sufficient security personnel for these tasks.

3- The Organization and Training Department shall regularly monitor and report to the Governor on the implementation of the 40-hour workweek throughout the sector and submit to the Ministry of Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs as required.

4- Heads of units under the State Bank of Vietnam, Directors of provincial and municipal branches of the State Bank, Heads of representative offices, Heads of affiliated units, Chairmen of the Board of Directors, and General Directors (Directors) of credit institutions shall strictly enforce this Directive.

During implementation, if any difficulties arise, units shall promptly reflect them to the State Bank (Organization and Training Department) for consideration and resolution.

Note:

- The State Bank has sent the original copy via the Post Office.

- Due to the very tight implementation schedule, it is requested that when receiving this Directive through the network, branches of the State Bank send it to credit institutions in the locality to inform of the policy and its implementation.