TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Childcare workers in Taiwan will join the "May Day Action Alliance" (五一行動聯盟) on Thursday (May 1) for the Labor Day protest, demanding an end to workplace bullying and improved labor conditions. The Alliance of Educare Trade Unions (AETU, 全國教保產業工會) has highlighted issues such as low wages, long hours, overcrowding, and inadequate teacher-student ratios, criticizing the government's lack of action.
The union reported that data from 2004 to 2024 shows that childcare workers average 9 to 10 hours of work daily, with over 50% working overtime weekly. However, only about 40% receive overtime pay. Last year's survey revealed that just 13% of childcare workers could take three days of vacation after six months of employment, and only 15% could take their full vacation days as per the Labor Standards Act (勞基法). Alarmingly, 90% of workers face pay deductions when taking vacation.
The increase remains slow despite a rise in average salaries from NT$20,825 in 2004 to NT$35,275 in 2024. The union noted that the average age of a childcare worker is 40, with 14.5 years of experience, yet their monthly salary lags nearly NT$10,000 behind the NT$45,195 average salary of workers under 30, according to data from the Directorate General of Budget, Accounting and Statistics (DGBAS, 主計總處).
The union warned that the current labor environment and salary structure fail to reflect the job's value and professionalism. This has led to experienced workers leaving the field and graduates avoiding the profession, creating a critical labor shortage. The union urged swift legislative action to lower the care ratio in both public and private institutions.
The union also stressed the importance of adhering to the Labor Standards Act's Article 35, which mandates a 30-minute rest after four hours of work. This is crucial for maintaining the quality of care in the high-pressure childcare industry. The "National Education Industry Union" (全國幼教產業工會) pointed out that contract-based education workers in public kindergartens, the most vulnerable group, have been demanding equal vacation rights since August 2024. Despite nine months of protests, the K-12 Education Administration (國教署) has yet to respond, exacerbating distrust and tension between grassroots education workers and the government.