Uncertainties created by US tariff policies have forced an additional 17 employers in Taiwan to introduce furlough programs in the first half of this month, most of them in the manufacturing sector, Ministry of Labor data showed.
The number of employers with furlough plans rose to 148 as of May 15, up 17 from April 30, the data showed.
The 17 firms included 16 employers in the export-oriented manufacturing sector, the ministry said.
Photo: Lee Chin-hui, Taipei Times
Of the 148 firms with furlough programs, 98 were in the manufacturing sector, it said.
Over the 15-day period, the number of workers placed on formal furlough or unpaid leave programs rose to 2,664 from 2,266, it said, adding that the manufacturing sector accounted for about 85 percent of them.
Labor Conditions and Equal Employment Division specialist Hou Sung-yen (侯松延) said that firms in the metal/electric machinery industry, the information/electronics industry and the lighting industry reported decreased orders.
A small machinery maker placed more than 60 workers on furlough, a metal products supplier put more than 50 workers on unpaid leave and an optoelectronics manufacturer furloughed more than 20 workers, the ministry said.
More than 60 workers at a textile maker were also placed on unpaid leave during the period, it added.
The ministry has asked local governments to develop a better understanding of the needs of affected manufacturers, Hou said, adding that the ministry would facilitate local governments to provide all necessary assistance.
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