TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Labor Minister Hung Sun-han (洪申翰) assured consumers Monday (Nov. 24) that food delivery fees will likely not increase despite new draft legislation requiring delivery workers' hourly wages to be set at 1.25 times the minimum wage. The Ministry of Labor (勞動部) unveiled this comprehensive draft law last week specifically to improve working conditions for over 100,000 food delivery workers across Taiwan. Minister Hung stated that current delivery worker wages already exceed the proposed NT$245 (around US$7.80) minimum standard, ensuring no immediate cost impact on consumers.
Minister Hung highlighted the critical importance of protecting the employment rights of over 100,000 food delivery workers during a comprehensive interview on the media outlet POP Radio (POP撞新聞). He specifically noted that delivery platforms utilize sophisticated digital algorithms that fundamentally differ from traditional employment relationships, necessitating entirely new worker protection regulations. The minister emphasized that the unique nature of platform-based gig work requires specialized legal frameworks to ensure adequate worker protection and fair compensation standards.
Hung explained that the comprehensive draft law specifically aims to address the complex interactions among delivery platforms, delivery workers, retail stores, and consumers, drawing extensively from international best practices. Current hourly wages provided by major delivery platforms range between NT$270-NT$290 (around US$8.60-US$9.24), while the proposed draft legislation sets the minimum at NT$245 (around US$7.80). The minister noted that existing wage levels already substantially exceed the proposed minimum threshold, ensuring no immediate disruption to current compensation structures.
Hung emphasized that delivery workers bear significant financial responsibilities including ongoing scooter wear and tear, fuel costs, and unpaid waiting time between deliveries. This economic burden justifies requiring their hourly wages to be set at 1.25 times the standard minimum wage to adequately compensate for these additional business expenses. Any future adjustments to Taiwan's overall minimum wage will proportionally affect the wage floor established for delivery workers. ◼