TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's labor market faces significant pressure as Minister of Labor Hung Sun-han (洪申翰) announced Wednesday (April 23) that the government is marshaling resources to shield small and medium-sized traditional manufacturers from looming U.S. export tariffs. The vulnerable sectors — machinery, automotive parts, metals, and rubber and plastics industries—employ more than 100,000 workers who could face workplace disruptions if trade tensions escalate.
During an online show interview, Hung emphasized that officials aren't waiting for the economic impact to materialize before acting. "We're preparing for the most severe scenarios due to high uncertainties," he said, describing a coordinated effort by the Executive Yuan (Taiwan's cabinet), alongside the Labor and Economic ministries to craft comprehensive response plans protecting vulnerable workers across affected industries.
Hung clarified that Taiwan's labor laws prohibit companies from implementing preventive layoffs based on anticipated market downturns. To strengthen employment security, the government has earmarked NT$15 billion (US$461.5 million) for stabilization programs, creating a financial cushion through legal subsidies designed to help vulnerable businesses retain their workforce. The ministry's strategy extends beyond current employees to include recent graduates entering a potentially contracted job market resulting from the tariff situation.
The minister offered reassurance to workers already facing unemployment, explaining that the Labor Ministry has activated its crisis response team to analyze historical precedents and develop tiered intervention plans calibrated to the actual economic impact as it unfolds. This comprehensive approach highlights this administration's unwavering commitment to protecting Taiwan's workforce, Hung remarked, emphasizing that both established workers and new labor market entrants would receive targeted support through this period of economic uncertainty. ★
