DPP defeated on workweek plan

Lai Shyh-bao (賴士葆), convener of the New Party caucus, suggested that there are alternatives to lessen employers' losses, in addition to adjusting the workweek.

For example, the premium rate for labor insurance could be reduced by two percentage points, so that employers would pay some NT$30 billion less per annum, Lai said.

Meanwhile, Premier Chang Chun-hsiung (張俊雄) expressed his regret over yesterday's development.

"The 44-hour workweek amendment was intended to serve the best interests of both workers and the industrial sector," Chang said.