President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) met with workers being recognized for their exemplary performance at the Presidential Office Building on Friday, ahead of Labor Day. The so-called “model workers” were selected as part of a competition held by the Labor Ministry. The competition gave out recognition for both local and migrant workers.
This year’s winners included nurses, whom Tsai says kept the public and industries healthy through the pandemic. Workers from a variety of industries were recognized as well. Five migrant workers were also recognized. Tsai says these workers not only excelled in their jobs, but actively helped their friends from their home countries adapt to life in Taiwan. She says these migrant workers help make Taiwan better.
Tsai says the government has worked to improve labor conditions in Taiwan by increasing the minimum wage, reducing taxes, and expanding benefits for workers. She says she has increased basic workers’ compensation and occupational disaster relief throughout her presidential term. Tsai sais that both men and woman can now apply for unpaid childcare leave, while subsidies to parents also eases the burden on raising children.
Tsai adds that the Cabinet will allocate NT$100 billion (US$3.3 billion) in government funding to next year’s labor insurance fund. She says the fund is a fundamental pillar for Taiwan’s workers.