Many companies have had to put employees on unpaid leave as the economic bite of the COVID-19 outbreak continues to make itself felt.
The government is responding with measures to help the workforce. These include making companies pay minimum wage to workers on unpaid leave. The government will then subsidize half of the remaining amount that workers usually earn.
However, the Taiwan Confederation of Trade Unions says that these measures only protect full-time workers. The confederation is asking the government to consider subsidies for part-time and temporary workers as well.
Some businesses, meanwhile, are hoping to see regulations on unpaid leave loosened. The General Chamber of Commerce of the Republic of China is calling on the government to make it easier for companies to put workers on unpaid leave. It has also told the government to plan ahead in its programs to help businesses, as the COVID-19 outbreak is likely to worsen.