The labor ministry says that Taiwan’s minimum wage will go up starting January 1.
The announcement comes after a ministry-sponsored meeting on Thursday. Among those in attendance were government officials, academics, and representatives from both labor and business groups.
Only two of the seven business representatives invited to the meeting decided to attend. Because of differing views on workers’ rights, all seven representatives were absent during the previous meeting.
The labor ministry said attendees reached an agreement during Thursday’s meeting to raise the minimum monthly salary by 5% from NT$20,008 (US$666) to NTS$21,009 (US$700). The minimum hourly wage, to be implemented in two stages, will also be slightly higher from NT$120 (US$4) to NT$133 (US$4.43).
Labor Minister Kuo Fong-yu said that more than 1.62 million laborers, including 370,000 migrant workers, will benefit from the 5% raise. Kuo urged employers to demonstrate social responsibility by supporting the hike. Representatives of the industrial and business sectors say the 5% increase is acceptable.