TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an (蔣萬安) announced during a municipal meeting this week that the city will launch the "Reduced Working Hours for Childcare Program" on Sunday (March 1). This initiative aims to ease the burden of childcare for parents with children under 12 by allowing them to work one hour less each day without a pay cut, with the city government subsidizing 80% of the cost.
Mayor Chiang emphasized the program's trial nature and expressed the city's commitment to reviewing its effectiveness. He noted, "We will consider using reserve funds if necessary." The Taipei City Government Department of Labor (台北市勞動局) clarified that businesses registered in Taipei can apply for subsidies if they employ parents who reside in the city, have children under 12, and demonstrate a need to personally drop off and pick up their children from certified childcare facilities, home caregivers, or elementary schools.
The labor department specified that businesses must implement the reduced working hours for at least 10 days per month over a minimum of three months, totaling at least 30 hours. The city will subsidize 80% of wages for reduced hours during the program period. Each employee can receive a maximum subsidy of NT$15,000 (approximately US$470), with the total subsidy for each business unit capped at NT$100,000 (approximately US$3,200). Applications will open from March 1 to June 30. The city government plans to accommodate additional applicants if the budget allows, even if the initial quota is filled early. They will also accept applications after June 30 if funds remain. (At time of reporting, US$1 equals approximately NT$31.34)