SALARY CONCERNS:A Ministry of Labor official said that accommodation in lieu of payment is in the rules, but added it would probe the issue among employers
Taipei Times
Date: Aug 25, 2015
By: Chen Wei-han / Staff reporter
Civil groups and scores of migrant fishermen rallied in front of the Ministry of Labor
Civic groups and migrant fishermen demonstrate outside the Ministry of Labor headquarters in Taipei yesterday, calling on the ministry to enforce labor laws. Photo: CNA
headquarters in Taipei yesterday, saying their employers have improperly docked money from their salaries and comparing their working conditions to slavery.
Protesters and migrant fishermen, mostly Filipinos, performed a skit and shouted slogans in different languages, demanding free accommodation and direct payment of salaries for migrant fishermen.
Taiwan International Workers’ Association researcher Wu Jing-ru (吳靜如) said many migrant fishermen have NT$5,000 deducted from their pay per month for onboard accommodation, as employers are allowed to provide lodging or other benefits worth up to NT$5,000 in lieu of the full minimum wage, according to the Labor Standards Act (勞基法). [FULL STORY]
