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My danish employer has JUST told me that I have to work over christmas as I have to now follow vietnamese holidays. Is that correct? Is that legal? My christmas has just been taken away from me!!!
christmas (add tags) Why? Details of tags
answered about 11 months ago by uglyman
Looks like your employer might be right. I found this info on the net. 2007 1 Jan New Year’s Day. 18-20 Feb* Têt, Lunar New Year. 30 Apr Liberation of Saigon. 1 May May Day. 2 Sep National Day. 2008 1 Jan New Year’s Day. 7-9 Feb* Têt, Lunar New Year. 30 Apr Liberation of Saigon. 1 May May Day. 2 Sep National Day.
answered about 11 months ago by Angel
yes but do i have to follow Vietnamese holidays or danish???
answered about 11 months ago by alpha
It's common practice for businesses who hire substantial numbers of foreigners to observe common overseas holidays, but they're under no legal obligation to do so. Do you think a Vietnamese individual working overseas would get much sympathy when they ask why they don't get a week off in February or January?
I am working for a danish company though, my base is in denmark. Actually in Denmark the law is such that if you are posted to dk from overseas you take the more favourable public holidays!
answered about 11 months ago by Tamvong
Why didn't you establish your employer's policy before you took the job? I bet you made damn sure of your salary right? And let me guess - it's a hell of lot more than all the locals who are probably more than capable of doing what your doing. Quit whining and enjoy Tet.
answered about 11 months ago by billyt
Write the home office in Denmark...squeaky wheel get's the grease and all that.... And Tamvong...Not sure where you work, but my experience has been alot of us posted from other countries get these compensation packages for the precise reason there are no locals who can do our jobs, or if they can, are not willing to work in an efficient and organized manner to western standards and not get half in the bag at lunch break etc...My place has a policy against drinking at lunch, and if I had a dollar for every beer I've seen my Viet colleagues drink at lunch, I'd be pretty well covered for weekend drinking money....So yeah, I too want my holidays and I'll take the Viet ones too, thank you ver much
answered about 11 months ago by Antwerpman
Looking at it from a pragmatic point of view, if you take your own countries national holidays and your colleagues take thiers according to Vietnamese law, then the time you are available to work together is reduced which is not in the best interests of the business, and I am presuming the reason they brought you out here is because they thought it would be good for the business. Also what would you during Tet when every one else is on vacation? you would end up getting this as well by default. I think it is not unreasonable for your employer to to expect you to play by the same rules as everyone (local) else in your company with regards to vacation regardless of what quirky rules Denark may have :)
Sorry, I was a bit harsh. A bad weekend.
Apology accepted Tamvong, as I'm not sure how many Vietnamese are capable of translating Danish and would work Vietnamese and Danish hours (until 10pm at night.) I work very hard. I just wanted to spend my Christmas with people I care for. But I understand the business issues. I'm afraid I think more like a human than a businessman but I am of course learning. If it had been agreed I wouldnt have minded but to tell me Christmas has been cancelled this close I feel is a bit cruel. Anyway I have now sorted out the problem. Thank you all for your help.
Glad it worked out ok, and sorry again. My response was definatley not in the Christmas spirit.