TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's tourism industry is grappling with a serious labor shortage, with the government considering the introduction of migrant workers into the hospitality industry. However, there's no set timeline as yet.
The suggestion, however, has prompted concerns from some scholars and citizens about potential job displacement and a negative impact on wages for local workers.
It has led to calls for more efficient solutions that lighten employee workload beyond just wage hikes.
Professor Cheng Chih-yu of National Chengchi University (NCCU) stressed that even with increased wages, the strenuousness and long hours associated with hospitality work might still not attract job seekers.
Echoing this sentiment, National Taiwan University (NTU) Associate Professor Hsin Ping-lung stated that the labor shortage has increased workload intensity in the hospitality industry, but this has yet to attract more workers.
Professor Cheng recommended a conservative approach to bringing in migrant workers, making it a solution to be considered only after the sector and government have exhausted all other means to solve the problem.
He expressed concerns that if the policy is relaxed, companies might resort to cheaper foreign labor, driving out local workers and suppressing wages.
The labor market for older workers and women looking for a second career could be affected, he added.