The Directorate-General of Budget, Accounting and Statistics announced that the real total wages for the year 2023 showed negative growth, indicating that inflation has eroded wage increases.
According to a survey by Yes123 Job Bank with 1350 valid responses, a staggering 91% of employees are dissatisfied with their current job conditions, with an average satisfaction rating for salaries at 37.7 points, the second-lowest level in 11 years.
To achieve satisfaction, the average salary increase needed is NT$6,016 (US$ 200). The survey also found that 56% of employees have not received a pay rise for over three years, with 11.6% not receiving one for over ten years, averaging four years without a raise, the second-highest level in 11 years. Additionally, 64% experienced indirect wage reductions last year, including reduced year-end bonuses, overtime pay, bonuses, performance bonuses, and holiday bonuses.
Yang Tsung-pin (楊宗斌), spokesperson for Yes123 Job Bank, suggested that negotiating salary increases and promotions with employers requires more than just personal relationships but also concrete job performance. He suggests employees present specific contributions, such as project results and cost savings or revenue generation, as the basis for promotions and pay raises.