On Friday, trade union groups called on the government to stabilize the job market while subsidizing enterprises that promote employee retention. The move came as a response to the Cabinet’s proposed NT$88 billion (approximately US$2.7 billion) subsidy plan, the application for which will be announced on Monday. Trade unions aiming to influence how the subsidies will be distributed held a press conference in front of the Cabinet on Friday in the hope of prioritizing the stabilization of workers' rights.
The labor union groups reported that they had originally planned to hold a nine-day hunger strike in front of the Legislature to promote a return to seven days of leave, amendments to the retirement system, and improved protections when the tariff changes caused a shuffle in the groups’ priorities.
Taiwan Solidarity Front Confederation of Trade Unions President Ho Cheng-chia (何政家) called on the government to stabilize the job market, citing the effects of U.S. tariffs impact on Taiwan’s industries. While agreeing to the necessity of industrial subsidies for the sake of affected workers, he said that companies with unpaid leave and layoffs should have their subsidies revoked– saying that the government should only commit to helping the companies that are committed to their local employees. In this way, he says the government can prevent the funds from being abused by “unscrupulous” employers.
The “Work with Dignity” alliance agreed that the subsidies should be strictly controlled while also stating its wish to resolve the situation quickly, so that focus can be returned to the pressing issues of allotted time off, the contribution ratio of the new labor pension system, and the establishment of a pension system for foreign workers.