The labor ministry has announced that it has reached an agreement with former toll collectors on compensation.
The government began implementing Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) system on select freeways in Taiwan during 2006. The move resulted in a massive lay-off of toll collectors, many of whom have since formed a group to protest against low severance pay.
Labor Minister Kuo Fang-yu said Wednesday that the ministry will set up a special group to re-calculate the poll clerks’ severance pay according to a new standard.
“We are going to set up a special group immediately," said Kuo. "They will evaluate the total capital needed to pay everyone, and we will subsequently raise the funds. We hope the group will be able to calculate and distribute the severance pay to everyone with fairness. We are hoping to resolve the matter by the end of this year, or before next year’s Chinese New Year at the latest. We hope the funds will be paid to every person in need by then.”
Kuo said the compensation will take protesting toll collectors' food and travel expenses into account. It will also include compensation for psychological damages resulting from the layoffs.