TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The Ministry of Labor (MOL, 勞動部) emphasized on Friday (Dec. 13) that special leave should not become a tool for employers to address economic fluctuations. The ministry has instructed local authorities to investigate Sino-American Silicon Products, Inc. (中美晶) for asking employees to take special leave due to poor solar cell orders.
Recent reports alleged that Sino-American Silicon Products, Inc.'s Yilan solar cell plant encouraged employees to take special leave in January 2025 due to production line adjustments. The company even allowed employees to advance their leave if their special leave days were insufficient, according to the report.
Director Huang Wei-chen (黃維琛) of the Department of Labor Standards and Equal Employment stated that, according to labor laws, employees should freely arrange their special leave. If employers face difficulties, they can negotiate a change of schedule, but they should not force leave due to economic conditions.
Huang warned that employers violating special leave regulations could face fines ranging from NT$20,000 to NT$1 million, with severe cases escalating to NT$1.5 million. The ministry will also make public the names of the businesses and individuals involved.
Huang suggested that employers facing poor performance could apply for reduced hours. However, with Sino-American Silicon Products, Inc.'s earnings per share reaching NT$8 in the first three quarters, the necessity of applying for reduced hours should be reconsidered.