TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan is gearing up for its national elections, slated for Jan. 13, a date officially recognized as a "holiday" under the Labor Standards Act, as announced by the Ministry of Labor.
Under the legal mandate, employers must provide a day off to eligible workers who were originally scheduled to work on election day, with no reduction in their regular pay.
If employers necessitate employees to work on this significant day, they are required to compensate them at double their regular pay rate for the hours worked, and they are expressly forbidden from obstructing workers' right to vote.
On Saturday, Jan. 13, Taiwan will conduct elections for its 16th President and Vice President, as well as the 11th Legislative Yuan. No additional leave is granted if the polling day aligns with an employee's regular day off.
It's important to note that citizens can only exercise their voting rights on election day, and the day off cannot be rescheduled for another workday.
Employers who violate these leave and pay regulations may face fines ranging from NT＄20,000 to NT＄1 million, in addition to wage restitution.
Workers who believe their rights have been infringed upon can file complaints with their local labor administrative authority to safeguard their rights.