Focus Taiwan
Date: 08/18/2020
By: Chang Hsiung-feng, Wu Hsin-yun,
Su Szu-yun and Chiang Yi-ching

Taipei, Aug. 18 (CNA) Labor groups on Tuesday praised a proposed minimum wage hike for this year, while industry representatives expressed disappointment, saying that it would create a greater burden for businesses amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Basic Wage Deliberation Committee, convened by the Ministry of Labor and comprised of workers, employers and scholars, said Tuesday that the minimum monthly wage in Taiwan should be raised NT$200 (US$6.8) to NT$24,000, while the minimum hourly wage should increase NT$2 to NT$160.

The proposal still needs to be approved by the Cabinet. If passed, it will apply to all workers in Taiwan except for foreign domestic workers, who are not covered under the Labor Standards Act.

The Taiwan Labour Front welcomed the proposal, saying in a statement that a rise in the minimum wage would make a tangible improvement in the lives of workers.   [FULL  STORY]