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Taiwan elections grapple with poll worker recruitment
As Taiwan’s 2024 National Elections near, challenges in recruiting sufficient poll workers arise despite salary increases and legal changes. New Taipei City has filled its needs, but workload disparities and concerns over pay equity persist.2024/01/02 15:54 -
President Tsai honors Taiwan’s top civil servants of 2023
President Tsai Ing-wen praises outstanding civil employees from 2023 for their contributions to national progress and societal stability. Accompanied by Premier Chen Chien-jen and Examination Yuan President Huang Jong-tsun, Tsai acknowledges the awardees at the Presidential Office for their exemplary efforts and achievements. She emphasizes the significance of public servants in providing enhanced public services and overall national development. Tsai expresses gratitude for their commitment and encourages them to share their workplace innovation experiences with others.2024/01/02 15:49 -
Government’s selective pay raise draws criticism from union
The Taiwan Higher Education Union (THEU) has criticized the government for playing a false game with wage increases. While civil servants, including military and education personnel, are set to receive a 4 percent pay increase next year, over 21,000 technical and administrative staff at universities, about 70 percent, remain unsure of their raises. This uncertain group includes employees at private universities. The THEU believes that the government should not leave salaries of non-certified staff to the discretion of universities, as it causes division and lowers morale. Only around 9,000 public employees out of the approximately 31,000 full-time staff members at universities and colleges are certain about their pay rise next year. The THEU is concerned that the hardships of grassroots workers in tertiary education institutions are being overlooked amidst the upcoming presidential elections. They urge that national wage increases should apply to all university staff, with appropriate subsidies provided.2023/12/26 21:56 -
Civil servants in Taiwan struggle with excessive hours
A public servant in Taiwan recently disclosed working overtime for 110 to 180 hours monthly, sparking a debate about excessive working hours. The average monthly working time in Taiwan was 167.3 hours in 2022. Civil servants can claim up to 20 hours of overtime pay per month, with any additional hours converted into compensatory leave. However, staffing constraints and increased workloads have led to insufficient personnel. The Civil Service Protection Act limits public servants to a maximum of 60 hours of overtime per month. The Ministry of Civil Service has called for better workload management to alleviate pressure on front-line staff and prioritize the well-being of Taiwan’s civil service workforce.2023/11/29 16:15 -
MOEA refutes Ko’s corruption allegations amid pandemic
The Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) demanded an apology from Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) chairman Ko Wen-je for his corruption allegations against the government in producing face masks. The MOEA refuted Ko’s claims, stating the lack of evidence and emphasizing the need for public servants to ensure mask supply during the pandemic. Ko made the accusations during a campaign event, implicating the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) in corruption cases involving masks, the Medigen COVID-19 vaccine, and egg imports. The MOEA referred to a previous incident where former Minister of the Interior Lee Hong-yuan apologized for baseless accusations and urged Ko to do the same.2023/11/22 20:35