The Cabinet has stepped in to mediate a dispute between railroad conductors and Taiwan’s railway administration. The dispute centers on overtime during the upcoming Mid-Autumn Festival.
Talks reached a deadlock Wednesday after the railway administration announced the overtime schedule for the festival period. Railroad conductors had protested against long working hours before the announcement, and 94% of conductors say they are against adding extra train services during the festival. Railroad conductors have refused to continue talks.
Cabinet Spokesperson Tung Chen-yuan said on Wednesday afternoon that the Cabinet is trying to facilitate talks between the two parties.
“The Taiwan Railways Administration is evaluating the number of trains needed during morning and evening hours, as well as the required staff," said Tung. "We are asking the transportation ministry and the railways administration to continue communicating with the drivers, and to try to strike a balance between giving them proper rest days and maintaining train service during the Mid-Autumn Festival.”