Workers and their supporters yesterday took to the streets of Taipei to mark International Workers’ Day with demands for the government to offer better labor welfare.
While passing Democratic Progressive Party’s (DPP) headquarters in Taipei, the protesters tore hand-held signs that resembled election ballots, protesting the government’s “failed” labor policies.
Event organizer May 1 Action Alliance yesterday said about 5,000 people took part in the rally.
Photo: CNA
The alliance demanded that the government address the failures of its two touted labor amendments, which were to address low wages and labor pension reforms, and protested the exploitation of medical personnel during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The protesters demanded that the government reinstitute seven national holidays that were rescinded in a 2016 labor reform.
The reform sparked protests from workers and labor groups at the time, as workers would not be eligible for additional pay if scheduled to work on those days, amounting to a pay cut.
Photo: CNA
Alliance leader and Taiwan Confederation of Trade Unions president Chiang Chien-hsing (江健興) said that average wages for workers were decreasing each year due to employers being “unwilling to share the fruits of success” with those who made profits possible.
Despite increases to the minimum wage for seven years in a row, the rate pales in comparison the rise of commodity prices, Chiang said.
Taiwan ranks fifth on the international scale of working hours, and the government should endeavor to lower working hours and increase wages, he said, adding that long hours and low wages are part of the reason Taiwanese are becoming more reluctant to have children.
Chiang said the government must draft legislation to ensure that the labor insurance fund remains healthy.
The government must also lower thresholds for union formation to help protect labor rights, he added.
The Ministry of Labor yesterday said in response that the 47 percent rise in the minimum wage over seven years — from NT$120 (US$3.90) in 2016 to NT$176 this year — demonstrates the government’s commitment to protecting labor rights.
As of 2021, the average hours worked in Taiwan stood at 41.6 hours, compared with 43.9 hours in South Korea and 42.5 hours in Japan, the ministry said.
However, the government is continuing to make efforts to better help workers balance their jobs and family needs through policy adjustments, it added.
The NT$16 billion it is scheduled to invest over the next four years should help 800,000 young people secure jobs, it said, adding that amendments to the Labor Standards Act (勞動基準法) are planned to provide better working conditions and quality of life.
Separately, President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) marked International Workers’ Day by thanking essential workers for safeguarding the people of Taiwan throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
Tsai on social media recognized the efforts of workers from across society for collectively maintaining economic and social stability over what she described as a challenging three years.
Tsai said that it is imperative for the government to now provide more consideration and care for workers, particularly given an adverse outlook for the global economy in the year ahead.
The government since 2016 has been making concerted efforts to slash workers’ economic burdens with measures to increase the minimum wage, cut taxes and implement diverse social welfare programs, Tsai said.
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