“Labor Day 51”, an alliance initiated by many of Taiwan’s labor groups and NGOs, held a press conference Monday morning announcing this year’s labor demonstration demands. The main demand requires lawmakers of all stripes to submit a draft amendment as soon as possible to support workers and improve the deteriorating labor environment.
Taiwan Confederation of Trade Unions President Chiang Chien-hsing (江健興) said this year’s demonstration demands include salary increase implementation, workers’ rights protection, retirement rights protection, labor relations improvement, and resolutions to exploitation in the healthcare system. Taiwan’s three political parties were also called on to draft amendments for the 40-year-old Labor Standards Act as soon as possible.
Chiang cited low-wages, overworked employees, the labor insurance fiscal sustainability issues, and low-labor retirement contribution rates as long-term problems, which are difficult to solve. However, he hopes that the new government will take heart, and strive to establish policies and systems for the betterment of all. Only then, he claimed, could Taiwan transition from an “Island of Overwork”, reduce the wealth gap, grow the economy, and achieve justice across generations.
The Labor Day demonstration will be held at 1pm on May 1, and will gather in front of the Presidential Palace and Ketagalan Boulevard at 12:30. From there it will follow along Zhongshan South Rd towards the Legislature on Jinan Rd.