Radio Taiwan International
Date: 2017-09-16

Premier William Lai says that the central government will help cash-strapped local

(CNA file photo)

governments cover the costs of a public sector pay raise.

The government announced Tuesday that teachers, civil servants, and military personnel will receive a 3% pay raise beginning next year. Local governments will be responsible for helping to pay for the raise. However, some local authorities say they do not have the funds needed to cover the additional expense.

On Saturday, Premier William Lai said that local governments with the means to pay the higher wages themselves will be expected to do so. However, he said that the central government will cover the costs of the pay raise in full on behalf of local governments without enough funds. He said the injection of money the pay raise will put into consumers’ pockets will stimulate economic development in areas with limited budgets.    [FULL  STORY]