The News Lens
Date: 2017/01/05
By: Olivia Yang

‘If this is the level of a newspaper’s editorial team, then it’s enough to make one embarrassed about the

Photo Credit: 宋小海｜苦勞網

quality of Taiwanese media. What right do we have to flatter ourselves to be influential and have ‘international perspectives?’ writes South Korea-based Taiwanese journalist Yang Chien-hao.

Since amendments to Taiwan’s labor laws took effect on Dec. 23, 2016, many employers have said that their businesses have been affected, especially those in the service, old economy and retail industries. The main challenges these businesses have been facing include the increase of personnel costs, increase in overtime pay, and difficulties in meeting staffing requirements, according to the results of a survey published yesterday by local online human resources firm 1111.com.tw.

The amendments to the Labor Standards Act (勞動基準法) were proposed by the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP). It is also known as the “one fixed day off and one flexible rest day” policy (一例一休). The policy aims to reduce working hours, increase overtime pay, and relax standards for annual leave, but reports have said the policy will lead to raised prices of commodities and layoffs due to employers being unable to meet the new requirements.    [FULL  STORY]