TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Many students are looking for part-time opportunities during summertime, while the expected hourly pay rate has increased to NT＄ 193, 9.6% higher than minimum wage. Learning how to prevent sexual harassment in the workplace also caught people's attention amid the #MeToo movement in Taiwan.
In a recent report, more than 1 in 7 part-time workers in Taiwan has encountered sexual harassment, of which 72.7% involve verbal harassment and 40.9% are physical contact. Most individuals taking advantage of the workers are customers, clients, supervisors, or colleagues.
Eva Chen, chief public relation officer of 1111 Job Bank, explained that inappropriate behaviors often occurred due to "an imbalance of power dynamics," mainly because students are believed to lack social experience and "would struggle to respond appropriately."
A student, who was sexually harassed at a part-time job, said now she would first pay attention to the work environment and choose a workplace with more female colleagues.
As vacation is around the corner, students seeking summer jobs should pay more attention to the work environment to protect themselves. If you encounter any inappropriate gestures, verbally and physically, at work, be clear and firm by saying "no" and immediately leave the scene. Call 113 or 110 to seek further assistance.