Circular No. 4-LDTT explains the wage payment system and working hours at construction sites.

CIRCULAR

Explanation of Wage Payment and Working Hours on Construction Sites

THE MINISTER OF LABOR

Respected: -Chairmen of Administrative Committees of the Regions

- Chairman of the Hanoi Administrative Committee

- Directors of the Northern Labor Zone, Regions 3, 4, Left Bank, and Hanoi Labor Zone

For a long time, on construction sites for bridges, dams, mines, etc., there have been various types of workers with different usage characteristics and different regimes. The regulations regarding these regimes have not been clearly defined, causing confusion among localities and concerns among workers. The Ministry has submitted to the Government Economic Council for unified regulations. The Economic Council issued Directive No. 444-BKT/CN dated February 12, 1954, which abolishes previous directives concerning wages and remuneration, and working hours of workers in the South and unemployed workers.

The Ministry further explains the following points:

I. WAGES PAID TO UNEMPLOYED WORKERS

Among unemployed workers, there are several categories:

In cases a and c, where workers have specialized skills, their wages may be higher than 3kg based on mutual agreement due to their professional capabilities.

The above provisions apply to workers from large industrial enterprises in major cities such as Hanoi, Nam Dinh, and Haiphong.

Individual workers and villagers wishing to work should be encouraged to return to agricultural production in their rural areas. If it is necessary to introduce them to work, they should be paid according to market labor rates agreed upon by both parties, but not less than the minimum wage.

Given that the work performed by those mentioned above is temporary in nature, wages should be paid on a daily basis. Wages are calculated based on the number of days worked. However, due to their special circumstances, days when they do not work should also be considered to ensure they can meet their living conditions. Therefore, it is stipulated:

- On official holidays and days off due to lack of work at the construction site, all categories of workers mentioned above shall receive full wages.

- On Sundays and other days off, each person receives 1kg500 per day uniformly. However, attention must be paid to avoid abuse; workers should not take days off without a valid reason. Therefore, consideration should be given to special circumstances to ensure their livelihoods without causing damage to public funds.

- If the employing agency determines that the work will be long-term and requires regular workers, and if the workers themselves voluntarily request permanent employment, they may be hired under the general wage scale for workers (wages will be determined according to levels established through democratic negotiation as usual).

1. Southern compatriots and workers

Southern compatriots who have relocated and are working at construction sites fall into the following categories:

- Workers: before February 1, 1955, a minimum of 45kg, from February 1, 1955, a minimum of 50kg, those with specialized skills currently being used in their correct field or those with high professional capabilities should be paid more based on their professional abilities or leadership skills.

- Compatriots: including village cadres, militia guerrillas, unskilled workers or skilled workers not being used in their correct field, families of workers and officials, etc., monthly wages before February 1, 1955, were 45kg, from February 1, 1955, were 50kg of rice.

The above is a temporary living standard, based on the current minimum wage level to accommodate southern compatriots.

Regulations will be revised later, and they will be arranged into a new wage scale to pay wages according to the nature of the work performed.

2. Demobilized soldiers.

Apply the same regime as the South (with or without specialized skills).

3. Foreign personnel in the Ministry of Defense

They have a separate regime, which will be regulated later (currently supported by the Ministry of Defense), and additional allowances should be provided for specialized positions, moving towards a clear regulation.

4. Civilian workers

Follow the current regime.

II. WORKING REGIME

1. Working hours: on construction sites, there are heavy tasks, some parts of the work are organized tightly, but there are also less strenuous tasks with organizational inefficiencies (idle hours). Therefore, working hours range from 8 to 10 hours, meaning some tasks are completed in 8 hours while others exceed 8 hours up to 10 hours (note: there are also tasks that do not reach 8 hours, such as underwater work, mid-air work, etc.). The Circular detailing working hours will be issued later. Construction sites need to establish clear working hour regulations. Site rules must be reviewed by the labor authority.

2. Overtime hours: beyond the fixed hours from 8 to 10 hours as mentioned above, workers who work overtime are entitled to overtime allowances, calculated according to the current system (explained in the Circular on working hours).

In the case of workers on piecework and civilian workers serving, if they work overtime, their productivity increases, and their remuneration is based on increased productivity.

Regarding the calculation of productivity bonuses on construction sites, it should be done as follows: whatever job is done, the bonus for increased productivity should be calculated according to that job. For example, if someone works with soil, the bonus for increased productivity is calculated based on soil work, and if someone works with stone, the bonus is calculated based on increased productivity in stone work. If increasing productivity by 1 meter of soil yields 2 kilograms of rice, and increasing productivity by working with stone yields 3 kilograms of rice, then civilian workers and demobilized soldier workers would receive the same bonus.³land is equivalent to two kilograms of rice, if increasing productivity through stone results in three kilograms of rice, then civilian workers or former military servicemen shall enjoy the benefit equally.

III. OTHER REGIMES SUCH AS SICK PAY, ACCIDENT COMPENSATION, COLLECTIVE LIVING, EDUCATION FEES ARE ALL UNIFIED UNDER A COMMON REGIME FOR ALL TYPES OF LABOR

Construction sites need to focus on:

Organizing dining and accommodation facilities, medical clinics, first aid stations with adequate medicines, working hours, study hours, educating everyone about hygiene, accident prevention, disseminating government policies, encouraging patriotic spirit, promoting national competition, making life on construction sites pleasant, and ensuring everyone is enthusiastic and actively engaged in work.

This Circular clarifies the unified wage payment and working hour regimes for all individuals working on construction sites.

Any difficult issues encountered should be reported promptly to the Ministry.

Hanoi, March 9, 1955