Taiwan’s Labor Ministry released its latest statistics on reduced working hours on Monday, showing that 155 companies have implemented work reduction measures, affecting 2,831 workers. This represents an increase of 7 companies and 167 workers compared with the previous reporting period.
The manufacturing sector bears the brunt of these measures, with 105 companies and 2,430 workers affected. The Labor Ministry’s Labor Standards and Equal Employment Department Director-General Huang Chi-ya (黃琦雅) noted that the increases were primarily concentrated in the metal and electromechanical industries.
One machinery equipment manufacturer reported having 140 workers on reduced hours, while a metal products company reported 72 workers affected. An electrical equipment manufacturer also terminated its work reduction program early. Most significantly, 20 companies, with a total of 827 workers, have been forced into unpaid leave due to the U.S. reciprocal tariff policies.
Huang emphasized the uncertainty surrounding changes in U.S. policy, stating that the government continues to monitor the situation closely and provide necessary assistance to affected businesses and workers.
The ministry reminded employers that even after reaching agreements with workers for reduced working hours, they must still pay the monthly minimum wage of NT$28,590 (approximately US$950) and maintain proper labor and health insurance coverage for all employees.