TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The Ministry of Labor (MOL, 勞動部) reported on Wednesday (Oct. 16) that 302 companies implemented reduced work hours, impacting 4,705 workers. The latest data marks a decrease of 23 companies but an increase of 379 workers compared to the previous report.
A decline in export orders led a glass processing factory to place nearly 400 employees on unpaid leave, according to Wang Chin-jung (王金蓉), deputy head of the MOL's Labor Conditions and Equal Employment Division.
In Hualien County, the tourism sector has yet to recover, leading to an increase of 94 workers on unpaid leave.
A total of 85 businesses and 805 individuals now face reduced working hours. Wang noted that manufacturing has seen a slight decrease, with 150 companies and 3,905 workers affected, though the sector's recovery remains uncertain.
Wang analyzed that small tourism-related businesses in Hualien, including wholesale, retail, and hospitality, continue to see slight increases in unpaid leave. This trend highlights the slow pace of market recovery.