TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The Ministry of Labor (MOL, 勞動部) on Monday (March 3) reported a rise in unpaid leave statistics, with seven new companies and 223 employees affected. A metal machinery company applied for reduced work hours, citing poor performance, affecting 187 employees. This surge underscores the ongoing challenges in the manufacturing sector.
The latest figures show 135 companies implementing unpaid leave, affecting 2,873 workers. This marks an increase from Feb. 17, when 128 companies and 2,650 employees were reported. According to the ministry's statistics, most companies have fewer than 50 employees on leave.
Hou Song-yen (侯松延), a MOL official, noted that manufacturing, mainly metal machinery, led to the increase. A network server and power supply manufacturer has implemented unpaid leave for three months due to operational difficulties and has applied for it again. Hou emphasized that while manufacturing is the primary sector affected, wholesale and retail industries have also seen slight fluctuations.
Hou stressed that ongoing monitoring of applications for unpaid leave is essential as trends in various industries may continue to evolve. The situation underscores Taiwan's manufacturing sector's economic challenges, particularly as businesses navigate operational hurdles.
