TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Premier Chen Chien-jen highlighted the crucial role of workers in Taiwan's progress during the "2024 Labor Day and National Model Worker Award Ceremony” held on Monday (April 29).
He praised all workers as the unsung heroes behind the nation's development and assured the government's commitment to providing the best protection for them, including continuous increases in the minimum wage over the past eight years and annual budget allocations to supplement the labor insurance fund since 2019.
Government Initiatives for Worker Welfare
Chen emphasized the government's efforts to safeguard workplace safety and prevent sexual harassment, alongside facilitating parental leave.
Despite challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, US-China trade tensions, and international conflicts, Taiwan has maintained an impressive average economic growth rate of 3.5% over the past four years, he pointed out.
The minimum monthly wage has seen a significant increase of 37.3% from NT$20,008 before President Tsai Ing-wen's tenure to NT$27,470 this year. The implementation of the "Minimum Wage Act" on Jan. 1 aims to further protect workers and their families through a more comprehensive minimum wage review mechanism.
Supporting Workers and Migrant Talent
The government has allocated a total of NT$267 billion to the labor insurance fund up to this year to ensure the stability of the labor insurance system.
Amendments to the "Gender Equality in Employment Act" and the enactment of regulations to combat workplace sexual harassment on International Women's Day (March 8) reflect ongoing efforts to create a more equitable work environment.
Additionally, the easing of parental leave application requirements has led to a 20% increase in applicants, enhancing support for working parents.
Chen also acknowledged the contributions of migrant workers to Taiwan and mentioned the "Long-term Retention Program for Migrant Workers" and the establishment of a service center to facilitate their transition to mid-level technical positions, with 26,555 senior migrant workers approved for such roles.
He personally awarded trophies to 60 model workers, sharing a warm moment with the awardees and their families and friends.