If Only 結果共22筆

The Travel Quality Assurance Association warns that if EVA Air pilots go on strike during the Lunar New Year holidays, it would have a significant impact on travel agencies as all airlines have already filled their fleet. The strike is planned for the Lunar New Year period from Feb. 7-18 and the Tomb Sweeping Day holidays from March 30 to April 7. Travel agencies would face challenges in adjusting operations and relocating passengers if the strike occurs. Limited alternatives would be available for travel agencies during the Tomb Sweeping Day holidays, and managing already-sold bookings would require separate action. The exact date of the strike will only be informed 24 hours prior, although the pilots’ union has announced the duration. The association’s spokesman, Ringo Lee, suggests implementing a strike notice period similar to the Danish model, which allows for a month’s advance notice of strike action.

The Taoyuan Union of Pilots (TUP) has announced plans for two strikes, scheduled from February 7 to February 18 and March 30 to April 7. These strikes will affect travel during the Lunar New Year holidays and Tomb-Sweeping Day. The TUP has authorized pilots at EVA Air to strike due to unresolved disputes with the company. The strikes will proceed unless a negotiation agreement is reached. The union has emphasized its commitment to negotiations and is seeking a resolution. TUP will notify members 24 hours in advance of a strike through their official website. The union also plans to conduct strike drills to ensure a quick response from EVA Air division members. A negotiation meeting was initially planned for January 31, but the union will only attend if EVA Air provides clear counterproposals by January 30.

Pilots for Taiwan’s EVA Air, supported by the Pilots Union Taoyuan (TUP), have voted in favor of striking due to ongoing disputes over pay raises. The TUP reported that out of the 910 participating pilots, an overwhelming 900 approved the strike action, with only 10 voting against it. The pilots are demanding a 20% salary adjustment, citing two main grievances – the hiring of foreign pilots amidst a staffing shortage and what they perceive as inadequate salaries and year-end bonuses, especially considering the airline industry’s substantial profits during the pandemic. EVA Air employs a total of 1,400 pilots, with 650 being TUP members. If all union member pilots choose to strike, it could result in half of the passenger and cargo flights being unable to operate during the Lunar New Year holiday. In contrast to the 2019 pilot strike at China Airlines, the TUP has stated that it will announce any confirmed strikes for 2024 at least 24 hours in advance to provide passengers with sufficient time to make necessary preparations.

Taiwan prepares for the coldest period of the winter as Lunar New Year approaches, according to meteorological expert Peng Chi-ming. If a cold surge leads to disaster, it is classified as an ＂other natural disaster,＂ potentially resulting in work or school closures. Employers are advised to implement safety measures and consider potential risks caused by cold temperatures. Failure to comply with guidelines may result in fines of up to NT$300,000. Holidays due to low temperatures are unprecedented in Taiwan, with work or school suspension only possible if low temperatures cause a disaster. In extreme cold weather conditions, transportation, water, or electricity disruptions may lead to work or school suspension based on assessment by city and county chiefs.

Taiwan’s investment in China has reached its lowest point in a decade, making up just over 10% of the island’s total overseas direct investment, according to a report by Nikkei Asia. Recent official data from Taiwan reveals that foreign direct investments surged by 87% to reach $257 billion through November this year. However, investments in China plummeted by 34% to only $29 billion, representing a mere 12% of the total. Since 2010, Taiwanese investments in China have been steadily declining and are projected to drop below the lowest point recorded since 1999. In contrast, investments in the United States have increased ninefold to $96 billion, accounting for around 37% of the total outbound direct investment. Additionally, Taiwan’s direct investment in Germany has soared 25-fold to $39 billion, largely driven by the operations of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company. Sun Ming-te, Director of the Business Development and Research Center at the Taiwan Institute of Economic Research (TIER), predicts that if tensions between the United States and China persist, Taiwan’s investment in China will continue to decline.

Taipei mayoral candidate Ko Wen-je criticizes the lack of long-term vision and planning in economic policy by the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and Kuomintang (KMT). Despite a 120% increase in Taiwan’s GDP since 2000, real wages have only increased by 4% and the country ranks sixth in total working hours globally. Ko believes that low wages and poor living conditions are not the fault of Taiwanese people but rather the result of the government’s lack of global strategic planning. He questions what keyword might define 2024 if the DPP and KMT continue to be in power, and asserts that a change in leadership is needed. Ko suggests that he should be elected president in 2024 to address these ongoing issues, emphasizing the absence of comprehensive strategic planning as the underlying reason behind the problems.

Presidential candidate of the Kuomintang (KMT), Hou Yu-ih, pledges to enforce strict sexual harassment prevention measures and demands ＂zero tolerance＂ on financial and sexual misconduct among officials if elected. He criticizes the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) for recent sexual scandals, mocking them as the ＂Peach Blossom Party.＂ Hou also emphasizes plans to empower women and reduce the burden of home care, proposing to increase the proportion of women in government and corporate decision-making to at least 30%. He highlights the need for expanded healthcare for women and children. In contrast, he points out that during DPP candidate Lai Ching-te’s tenure as Premier, women constituted only 20% of cabinet members, while former Taipei Mayor Ko Wen-je’s ＂minority cabinet＂ had only a quarter of women. The 2024 presidential election will feature Hou, Lai, and Taiwan People’s Party’s (TPP) Ko, each having their policy presentation meetings. Each candidate had three turns to address their policies, with each speaking opportunity lasting for 10 minutes.

The Central Weather Administration (CWA) has announced that temperatures in Taiwan are expected to rise today due to the weakening of a cold air mass. Daytime highs will reach 22 to 25 degrees Celsius in the western part of the country and 21 to 23 degrees in the eastern regions. Rainfall will be limited, and skies will largely remain clear, with only slight scattered showers in the east. However, morning lows in the western regions and Yilan will be around 10 to 13 degrees, dropping to below 10 degrees in parts of northern Tainan and Yilan due to the influence of the continental cold air mass and radiative cooling effect. The Hualien-Taitung area should expect lows between 15 and 16 degrees, so individuals are advised to take measures to stay warm. Wind speeds may rise between 8 to 9 levels in parts of Taoyuan to Yunlin, Hengchun Peninsula, Penghu, Lanyu, and Green Island. There could be a risk of high waves along the coast of the eastern regions, Lanyu, Green Island, and Hengchun Peninsula, so residents and visitors are urged to stay vigilant if engaging in seaside activities.

Taipei’s Acting Minister of Agriculture, Chen Junne-jih, announced the implementation of a specialized avian influenza prevention program in September, including increased testing frequency to monitor the disease. This comes in response to recent outbreaks in Japan and chicken farms in Yunlin County, raising concerns about egg price hikes and shortages. Chen warned that the situation may worsen with the expected drop in temperature next week. Taiwan has been conducting active and passive surveillance for avian influenza since September, focusing on high-risk areas near migratory bird paths and implementing biosecurity measures at poultry farms. Chen assured that the country’s egg production capability has recovered since the shortage earlier this year, with reserves of liquid eggs available for emergencies. Domestic egg reserves will be released first in the event of increased market demand, with the import of liquid eggs only considered if a severe outbreak leads to a supply shortage. Chen emphasized the importance of maintaining appropriate stock levels through the imported egg project to ensure a stable egg supply despite the challenges posed by avian influenza.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) and the Arizona Building and Construction Trades Council (AZBTC) have reached an agreement to resolve a labor dispute at TSMC’s Phoenix semiconductor manufacturing facility. The collaboration includes employee training programs and a commitment to transparency on workplace safety issues. This agreement is seen as a critical step for TSMC, which is expected to benefit from the US$100 billion in subsidies provided by the U.S. Chips Act. TSMC has agreed to prioritize local hiring but can employ foreign workers with ＂specialist experience＂ if needed. TSMC’s investment in Arizona amounts to US$40 billion, with construction starting in 2021. Mass production is now scheduled to begin in the first half of 2025. This resolution not only facilitates smoother progress in the construction of TSMC’s plant but also highlights the company’s role in increasing semiconductor production capabilities in the United States.

The Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) in Taiwan has announced that starting in January next year, food service businesses will only receive rewards up to NT $14 per serving if they agree to use organic or traceable agricultural products for 12 varieties of fast-growing vegetables, including bok choy and water spinach. However, the catering industry has expressed concerns about potential price increases during typhoon seasons or cold weather, which could make certified and organic products even more expensive. In response, MOA officials have confirmed that subsidies will be offered to mitigate the impact of vegetable price hikes, with school lunch allowances per serving potentially increasing from NT $3.5 to NT$10, and remote schools eligible for an allowance of up to NT $14 per serving. Chen Mig-hsin, Director of Taiwan’s Food Catering Association, has called for the approval of integrating QR-code usage for verified products during natural disasters, emphasizing the need for additional reward systems to better prepare domestic food suppliers for weather disturbances. Agriculture and Food Agency (AFA) Deputy Director Su Mao-hsiang has acknowledged the efforts made by catering businesses to support the MOA’s goals of promoting healthy and affordable school lunches. Currently, over half of the 3,800 tons of vegetables purchased weekly are organic and traceable products, and Su anticipates that the expanded purchase of healthy agricultural foods will further incentivize farmers to produce them.

The latest poll on potential collaboration between the Kuomintang (KMT) and Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) reveals that 12% of voters believe candidate popularity in polls should be the sole basis for nomination consideration, while 20% think only party capability should be considered. However, the majority, at 47%, believe that both factors should be given equal importance. According to the survey released by the United Daily News, 60% of voters believe the popularity poll results of candidates play a crucial role in deciding the presidential and vice-presidential nominees for the potential KMT-TPP alliance. Other considerations for voters include the parties’ control over legislative seats (49%), popularity polls of the nominating parties (46%), and the ruling parties under their jurisdictions (40%). If the alliance breaks down, 33% of voters would blame the KMT, 28% would blame the TPP, 23% believe both parties are equally responsible, and 16% have no opinion.

Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) minister has stated that multiple channels have been used to raise awareness of the ＂Online Registration System for Taiwanese Citizens Visiting Mainland China.＂ The system was implemented in January 2023 to improve emergency assistance services for travelers. However, out of over one million Taiwanese nationals who visited China from January to September, only around 2,000 registered with the system, resulting in a usage rate of just 0.19%. MAC Minister Chiu Tai-san acknowledged the low uptake and stated that efforts have been made to promote the system, including engaging travel agencies. Legislator Chuang Jui-hsiung highlighted that in August alone, over 200,000 people traveled from Taiwan to China, but only 554 registrations were made. Minister Chiu explained that registration is voluntary, and if citizens do not anticipate encountering problems in mainland China, it is challenging for the ministry to enforce it. In response to calls for increased promotion, Chiu promised that MAC colleagues would intensify efforts to raise awareness about the registration system.

Taiwan Central Bank Governor Yang Chin-long addressed the Legislative Yuan’s Finance Committee, leaving open the possibility of further interest rate hikes. While rates in the U.S., U.K., Europe, Canada, and Australia are near their peak, Taiwan is approaching its high point. Previous inflation spikes were caused by typhoon impacts, leading to speculation about rate hikes. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) increased by 3% in October. The Central Bank’s council members unanimously decided to temporarily halt rate raises, but some members agreed to suspend hikes for only one quarter, suggesting aggressive responses to future inflation are possible. Market watchers are observing whether interest rate hikes might resume in December if inflation surpasses 3%. Yang attributed the current inflation to typhoon impacts, particularly rising vegetable and fruit prices, and promised close observation of rate raises in the fourth quarter. Economic growth is expected to remain above 2% this year, but the fourth quarter may see a downward revision to 1%.

Over half of Taiwan’s residents believe that the country’s president and majority of legislators should come from different political parties, according to a poll conducted by Shih Hsin University’s Institute of Knowledge Economy Development. The poll showed that 51.8% of respondents held this view. Additionally, the poll found that 77.7% of participants supported the president giving a State of the Nation address to the Legislative Yuan. However, only 28.8% of participants were aware that an annual report to the legislature was a presidential responsibility. In terms of party cooperation, 53.5% of respondents backed the idea of the Kuomintang and the Taiwan People’s Party taking turns in the Presidential or Premier posts. Within this group, 36.1% were ＂somewhat supportive＂ and 17.4% were ＂strongly supportive,＂ while 30.2% opposed such a proposal. Furthermore, 34.5% of participants believed it would be best if the president and the majority of the Legislative Yuan were from the same party. This opinion was more prevalent among university graduates (59.3%) and those with postgraduate degrees (52.3%). The poll also revealed that 36.8% of respondents support the current government led by the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), while 45.8% oppose it, and 17.4% did not express an opinion.

The latest presidential poll by Newtalk shows that Ko Wen-je of the Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) has surpassed Lai Ching-te of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), while Hou Yu-ih of the Kuomintang (KMT) has also gained support. Ko leads Lai by 0.52%, and Lai’s lead over Hou is only 0.08%, indicating a closely contested election. However, if Terry Gou were to enter the race, the rankings would change significantly. Lai would still be first, but Hou would move up to second, Ko would drop to third, and Gou would trail at the end with 9.39%. This is the first time in past polls that Hou surpasses Ko. The poll collected data from 1,088 valid answers through online questionnaires sent to random mobile phone numbers. The findings have a margin of error of plus or minus 3.03% at a 95% confidence level.

Shih Hsin University is considering making adjustments between departments and may halt admissions to its Chinese Literature Department in 2025. Despite rumors that the decision is due to poor undergraduate enrollment rates, the department is not the worst-performing. The university reassured students that the department will only close its doors officially after all current undergraduate students have graduated. The decision to suspend admissions requires approval from the institution and other relevant entities, with the official suspension taking effect in the academic year of 2025 if approved this year. The Chinese Literature Department was established in 1998 as part of the university’s liberal education center, with a master’s program added in 2003 and a PhD program in 2007.

Terry Gou, an independent presidential candidate in Taiwan, is calling for public support in the upcoming election. With only six days left to collect enough signatures to secure a spot on the ballot, Gou has been absent from the public eye for six consecutive days. In a Facebook post, he outlined his political philosophy centered on ＂peace,＂ ＂prosperity,＂ and ＂integrity,＂ claiming to embody the spirit of a venture entrepreneur who values professionalism, organization, and fearlessness. Gou aims to build a Republic of China representing these principles and warns of potential chaos if no changes are made to the current power structure. He has set up signature collection stations across Taiwan and encourages the public to share his posts and invite friends to endorse his campaign.

A recent poll conducted by online magazine My Formosa reveals that Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) presidential candidate Lai Ching-te is currently leading the race for the 2024 presidential election in Taiwan with 34.7%. The survey indicates a narrow gap between Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) candidate Ko Wen-je and Kuomintang (KMT) candidate Hou Yu-ih, with only a 0.5% difference. Even if independent candidate Terry Gou joins the race, Lai’s lead is projected to persist. The survey was conducted from Oct. 23 to Oct. 25, with 1,470 individuals successfully interviewed. The maximum margin of error is ±2.6% and the confidence level is 95%.

The Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson criticizes the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) for its hypocrisy in advocating for peace and dialogue while calling for Taiwan’s independence. The DPP’s refusal to acknowledge the 1992 Consensus is seen as damaging to cross-strait relations. The spokesperson states that dialogue is only possible if the DPP changes its pro-independence stance; otherwise, negotiations would be futile.

Taiwanese schools implemented health authorities’ new pandemic regulations on Monday, right after the long Mid-Autumn Festival weekend. Starting Sept. 12, classes will no longer be fully suspended if one student is infected with COVID-19. Students will have to take a rapid test, and only the infected students will have to be quarantined.  

張惠妹台北小巨蛋「ASMR世界巡迴演唱會」今（6）日舉辦第五場，面對鐵粉12場全勤，她昨（5）日不忘給難題：「如果我要加場，你會全勤嗎？」今更透露會好好思考「加場」可能性，立刻引爆全場歡呼。今日的素人歌手是帥氣的牙醫師洪聖鈞（Josh），以義大利語演唱〈If Only〉，該曲原是世界男高音安德烈波伽利（Andrea Bocelli）與張惠妹合唱，這也是張惠妹首次在台演唱這首歌，難度讓她都驚喊：「我很緊張！」