ABSTRACT
During the first decade of Vietnam's reunification (1975–1985), employer–employee relations were conducted predominantly along classical socialist lines. The transition from socialism to market socialism has a substantial impact upon industrial relations in Vietnam. In the traditional socialist system, employment relations were typified by a permanent relationship between the state and the worker. The rise of the private sector has also resulted in a more diverse range of employer–employee relations, over which the state has striven to continue exerting its authority. The state recognizes three employers' organizations namely: the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI), the Vietnam Cooperative Alliance (VCA) and the Vietnam Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (VINASME) as part of the official consultation process in the formulation of policies, law on labour and industrial relations issues. The involvement of three employers' organizations in industrial relations and labour law issues is an indication of move by the government towards a tripartite approach, albeit under ultimate government control.
