TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's national railway operator announced Friday (April 11) that 852 applicants have successfully navigated its competitive hiring process, with only 13 percent of candidates securing positions in the sought-after government transportation sector. The Taiwan Railway Corporation (TRC, 台鐵), which manages the island's extensive passenger and freight rail network, released the results of its recruitment examination that drew thousands of hopefuls across multiple job categories.
In its official announcement, the railway authority established a strict timeline for the onboarding process, dividing successful applicants into two groups. Candidates who passed standard physical assessments must appear for processing on either April 28 or May 19, while those requiring specialized medical evaluations face later reporting dates of May 26 or June 16. TRC officials emphasized that detailed instructions would arrive via registered mail, with a stern warning that absence on assigned dates would automatically void a candidate's employment opportunity.
The railway corporation has established limited exemptions for candidates facing legitimate hardships. Applicants prevented from reporting due to mandatory military service, childbirth, or natural disaster emergencies may request postponements by providing official documentation. These candidates must initiate their rescheduled reporting process within 30 days after their impediment concludes or forfeit their position. Officials described these policies as balancing compassionate flexibility with the necessity of maintaining rigorous hiring standards.
The recruitment effort represents a strategic response to persistent staffing challenges facing Taiwan's railway system. TRC officials acknowledged ongoing difficulties with employee retention, particularly as newly hired personnel frequently depart for positions at other government enterprises. The company specifically identified the state oil company CPC Corporation (中油) and the national electric utility Taipower (台電) as competitors that have lured away railway employees after their initial training and placement.
Compensation disparities appear to underlie the retention problem. Taiwan's Executive Yuan authorized TRC's current pay scale last year, establishing entry-level monthly salaries ranging from NT$36,140 (US$1,102) to NT$43,810 (US$1,336). These figures fall noticeably below compensation packages offered by competing government enterprises, creating an ongoing challenge for the railway operator's efforts to build a stable, experienced workforce. ★