Taiwan's Labor Unions Gear Up for a Powerful Labor Day March: Seven Key Demands

Advocating for Reduced Work Hours, Fair Wages, and Enhanced Workplace Protections in Taiwan

Taipei, Taiwan - As Taiwan gears up for Labor Day on May 1st, a coalition of labor rights groups is preparing for a significant march in Taipei, bringing with them a comprehensive set of seven demands aimed at improving the lives and working conditions of Taiwanese workers. The Labor Day 51 Alliance, comprising numerous Taiwanese labor unions and NGOs, plans to commence the march on Ketagalan Boulevard, in front of the Presidential Office, and proceed through key streets before returning to the starting point. The event is expected to draw up to 5,000 participants, underscoring the widespread support for these vital issues.

Leading the charge, the alliance will present these seven key demands to the government, beginning with a call to reduce the overall working hours in Taiwan. They're seeking revisions to the Labor Standards Act to grant more special leave and gradually implement a three-day weekend for workers. Furthermore, the alliance, spearheaded by Tai Kuo-jung (戴國榮), President of the Taiwan Confederation of Trade Unions and chief organizer of the rally, is pushing for Labor Day to be officially recognized as a national holiday.

Another crucial demand focuses on eradicating workplace bullying. The alliance proposes extending protections outlined in the Occupational Safety and Health Act against bullying to both civil servants and all workers. They suggest that bullying cases be handled by an impartial third party alongside labor representatives and advocate for prohibiting employers from unfairly punishing employees who report incidents.

The coalition also aims to bolster the labor pension system, calling for an increase in employers' mandatory contributions to labor pension accounts. Additionally, they want the removal of the 45-month cap on lump sum pension payments. Wage adjustments are also high on the agenda, with the group advocating for an increase in the minimum monthly salary from NT$28,590 (US$885) to NT$32,000 and the hourly minimum wage from NT$190 to NT$210, addressing the rising inflation in Taiwan.

The alliance will also advocate for more effective negotiations between employees and employers to secure better labor rights protection and lower the threshold for forming labor unions. Moreover, they will spotlight the employment rights of workers in high-emission industries as they navigate the transition to low-carbon practices. Finally, addressing staff shortages in critical sectors such as healthcare, nursing, education, and child care will also be emphasized.