TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The Ministry of Labor (MOL, 勞動部) will enforce new regulations, Labor Minister Hung Sun-han (洪申翰) announced Thursday (May 15). The Legislative Yuan (立法院) recently passed amendments declaring Labor Day a national holiday and adding four public holidays, including Lunar New Year's Eve and Teachers' Day. This move aims to enhance workers' rights and align with the Labor Standards Act (勞基法). +++++++
TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan has expanded its roster of public holidays, giving workers additional paid days off under new labor regulations. Labor Minister Hung Sun-han (洪申翰) confirmed on Thursday (May 15) that the Legislative Yuan (立法院), Taiwan's parliament, has approved amendments designating Labor Day as a national holiday alongside four additional public holidays, including Lunar New Year's Eve and Teachers' Day.
The Labor Standards Act mandates that employers provide workers with paid leave during these newly designated holidays or compensate them with double wages for working these days. Ministry officials have emphasized strict enforcement of these provisions, stressing that proper implementation will advance workplace equity and ensure appropriate compensation for Taiwan's workforce.
The ministry has taken a measured stance on another labor reform proposal from the opposition Kuomintang party (KMT, 國民黨) that would grant workers three days of special leave after just three months of employment. Minister Hung indicated that while officials continue collecting stakeholder feedback to enhance the special leave framework, they have not endorsed this specific proposal. This deliberative approach highlights the government's careful balancing of worker protections with business considerations. ◼
