TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Typhoon Krathon (山陀兒) triggered a two- to three-day typhoon holiday across Taiwan in early October, prompting both praise and criticism of local leaders' decisions. While some people flooded social media accounts of county and city leaders to praise the decision, officials also faced scrutiny for what some viewed as lenient standards in declaring these breaks.
Critics argue that typhoon holidays disrupt business operations and lead to economic losses. Lin Por-fong (林伯豐), chairman of the Third Wednesday Club (三三會), estimated losses of at least NT$31.5 billion for each day off. The “Operation Regulations on the Suspension of Offices and Classes in Times of Natural Disasters” (天然災害停止上班及上課作業辦法) apply only to government agencies and schools, not private businesses, according to the Ministry of Labor (MOL, 勞動部).
The MOL clarified that private sectors are not legally obligated to follow government decisions on work stoppages. However, if workers cannot report to work due to safety concerns, employers may withhold pay but cannot count the absence as unexcused.
Lee Chien-hung (李健鴻), a professor from the Department of Labor Relations at Chinese Culture University (文化大學勞動暨人力資源學系), emphasized that these regulations do not bind private-sector employers and employees. “If an employer requires work on a typhoon day and the employee agrees, the Labor Standards Act mandates double pay under Article 40,” Lee said.
Weather expert Chia Hsin-sing (賈新興) highlighted regional variations in rainfall, noting that "average wind speeds reached level 7, strong enough to uproot trees." Given frequent weather updates every two to three hours and drastic changes in forecasts, Chia suggested the potential for half-day typhoon holidays or designated preparation days.
Officials and meteorologists continue to struggle to balance public safety and economic considerations, but protecting life and property remains paramount.