Industry leaders yesterday voiced objections to a second hike in the minimum wage, saying recent legal revisions have seriously increased their burden.
Preston Chen (陳武雄), chairman of the Chinese National Federation of Industries (全國工業總會), said it was reckless for the Council of Labor Affairs to propose hiking the minimum wage again in the absence of supporting measures.
Chen, who owns business interests in chemical and plastics firms, made the statement before a meeting with Council of Labor Affairs Minister Jennifer Wang (王如玄).
The council pushed through a pay raise in September, lifting the minimum wage from NT$17,280 to NT$17,880 a month, effective this year. Wang has hinted at a second adjustment later this year to reflect the increase in consumer prices.
Wang told a press briefing on Tuesday that the government would consider an increase in the minimum wage because encouraging wage growth is part of its priority to see that local workers benefit from strong economic growth.
She said the economic recovery has improved the country’s unemployment situation, but wages have not shown commensurate growth in the mean time.
However, Chen said the government should think twice before implementing the idea, as the revisions to national health insurance and maternity rules have added to their burdens.
Chen suggested excluding foreign workers from the minimum wage when discussing the issue because they would be the sole beneficiaries. Most domestic workers enjoy higher pay.
Chang Ping-chao (張平沼), chairman of the General Chamber of Commerce, who owns stakes in technology and securities firms, said the government should allow the market to set the minimum wage.
Too much government intervention would serve only to antagonize workers and their employers, Chang said.
Roscher Lin (林秉彬), chairman of the National Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (中小企業協會), it is not necessary to adjust the minimum wage on a yearly basis, as frequent pay hikes will make firms cautious about expansion and hiring.
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