Survey reveals 58% of part-timers face wage issues

TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Up to six in ten part-time workers (58%) have experienced wage issues, misleading job ads, and illicit contracts, according to a survey released on Tuesday (Jan. 16) by Yes123 Job Bank. 

The job-seeking platform advises job hunters to follow a list of "don't" at work: do not make payments, do not buy products, do not apply for credit cards, do not sign contracts, do not let your ID cards out of sight, or do not accept to work illegally.

The "musts" to abide by are to bring a companion, ensure legitimate agreements, and be aware of employment privacy rights.

This survey shows that a record-breaking 87% of university students plan to work part-time over the winter break, the highest in 16 years.

The main reasons for seeking winter work include earning living expenses, saving money, earning tuition, gaining social experience, and overcoming student loan pressures.

Of the respondents, 65% revealed they had encountered situations receiving hourly wages lower than the government's minimum wage. Some were not even insured.

Most of them continued to work or resigned quietly, while only about 30% actively negotiated with their employers or reported to regulatory authorities.

Yes123 spokesman Yang Tsung-pin cautioned job seekers not to focus solely on finding jobs with "high pay and low effort" or attempting to gain without working.

Yang also urged part-time workers to protect their rights and ensure work safety.