year-end 結果共80筆

Discover how Taiwan’s Executive Yuan is enhancing pedestrian safety through a comprehensive plan involving the MOTC and MOI, targeting 799 intersections and 200 schools for improvements by year-end.

Discover Taiwan’s new TPASS initiative for non-commuters, set to launch by the end of 2024. Aimed at encouraging public transport use, it offers flexible options beyond the commuter-focused monthly pass.

Taiwan Power Co. (Taipower) faces a potential financial crisis by year-end without government aid or electricity price hikes, warned Minister of Economic Affairs Wang Mei-hua. An upcoming electricity price review may see rates for ultra-high-voltage users surge by over 10%. Wang emphasizes the need for discussion in the committee meeting and assures efforts to minimize impacts on the public. Taipower’s efficient management has helped curb price spikes and inflation, with plans in place for financial support and program development. Current electricity costs for major consumers stand at around NT$1.63, while Taipower’s generation cost, pre-tax, is NT$3.93, expected to surpass NT$4 post-tax.

The National Police Agency has denied rumors of cutting year-end bonuses for police officers, clarifying that the bonuses are distributed according to the provisions of the Executive Yuan. Police officers who are employed by Jan. 31 and still on the job by Dec. 1 would receive a year-end working bonus of 1.5 months, with no specific stipulations for police officers. Last July, the Executive Yuan approved a 15% increase in police duty allowances, the first adjustment in 30 years, benefiting nearly 70,000 officers nationwide. The agency reaffirmed its support for police officers and commitment to improving their working conditions and benefits.

Legislative Speaker Han Kuo-yu will preside over a multi-partisan negotiation to determine the date for the inaugural meeting of the new legislative term. The Taiwan People’s Party suggests reconvening on Feb. 16, after the Lunar New Year, instead of waiting until the end of February. The Kuomintang is ready to convene at any time, as long as it doesn’t disrupt the holiday period. The Democratic Progressive Party suggests sticking to tradition and reconvening on Feb. 23, considering the need for preparatory time for newly elected legislators. This negotiation follows the election of Han Kuo-yu and Johnny Chiang as the new Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the 11th Legislative Yuan on Feb. 1.

As the Lunar New Year approaches, Taiwanese employees await their year-end bonuses, a significant indicator of corporate success and economic health. The bonuses, reflecting the highest salaries in eight years, vary across industries, with a focus on financial planning and investment.

Kuomintang (KMT) lawmaker Johnny Chiang announces plans for parliamentary reform, aiming to create a more representative legislature. Chiang criticizes the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) for reducing the legislative yuan to an executive department during their eight-year term. He proposes amendments to ensure substantive responses from officials and full access to concealed data. Chiang emphasizes the importance of protecting parliamentary dignity, maintaining oversight balance, and preventing administrative abuses. He welcomes the end of single-party dominance and hopes for a more diverse democratic practice in the new legislative yuan. Chiang calls for extensive discussions on legislative amendments and collective effort to establish a new parliament that honors fresh public opinion.

Discover how nearly half of Taiwan’s workforce is contemplating a career shift before receiving year-end bonuses, driven by the allure of higher salaries and the nation’s economic recovery post-pandemic.

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.

President Tsai Ing-wen commends Taiwan’s remarkable economic growth, surpassing East Asia’s average, during a year-end celebration. She urges corporations to enhance employee benefits as her term nears its end.

Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR) expressed regret for misunderstandings during a liaison meeting with the Taiwan High Speed Rail Labor Union. The union is dissatisfied with the 2.3-month year-end bonuses and demands at least four months. THSR announced salary adjustments and the distribution of year-end bonuses. The union warns of a possible strike if their demands are not met, including improved travel-related work conditions and fair distribution of bonuses.

Taipei Ministry of Labor warns employers to be vigilant for sexual harassment during year-end parties. Employers must prevent workplace harassment and take immediate remedial action. The Gender Equality in Employment Act applies if an employee experiences harassment at a gathering hosted by the employer. Employers are responsible for preventing harassment, even if no formal complaint is made. Reminding staff about professional boundaries is advised.

Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chi-mai and the president of National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU) have announced the future establishment of an NYCU branch campus in Kaohsiung. The new campus aims to recruit masters and doctoral students in the semiconductor and AI industries, providing high-end talents for Kaohsiung’s growing sectors. The campus plans to start recruiting for the 2025 academic year. NYCU president Lin Chi-hung cited two main reasons for establishing the branch: nurturing top talents and trailblazing research, and aligning with national talent cultivation policies. The new campus is conveniently located near Taiwan High Speed Rail’s Zuoying Station and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC). It offers 15 professional meeting rooms, a 500-seat international conference hall, and a large exhibition hall accommodating 1,000 people. The Kaohsiung city government and NYCU have signed a cooperation agreement, and the new campus will be housed in the existing Garden Villa Hotel and the Civil Service Development Institute, following Ministry of Education regulations for campuses.

Q Burger, a restaurant chain in Taipei, is making waves with its generous end-of-year bonus of up to 27.8 months for staff. In addition, the company plans to increase salaries by 23.4% in 2024, aiming to break away from the low-paying norms of the industry. Newly hired employees can expect a high basic salary of up to NT＄35,000, while reserve executives start at NT＄37,000. To address regional differences in living costs, Q Burger is also offering a substantial regional subsidy, with store employees in Taipei receiving an extra NT＄4,000 per month. In a unique move to motivate employees, the company has introduced the ＂Dream Reward Plan,＂ which grants 20% of net profits to store chiefs. Q Burger’s success is evident, with its expansion to 340 stores across Taiwan and over one million app members in 2023.

The Kaohsiung Circular Light Rail Transit has received permission to operate from the Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC) and will begin trial operations from January 1 to February 25, 2024. The C24 to C32 sections of the light rail have completed inspections and necessary adjustments, allowing for formal operations. Kaohsiung Deputy Mayor Lin Chin-rong expressed gratitude towards the MOTC and the city government team for their efforts in enabling the last sections to commence operations before year-end. With the launch of the C24 to C32 segments, the circular light rail will have 38 stations and stretch for 22.1 kilometers. To encourage citizens to use this new transportation route, the Mass Rapid Transit bureau will offer ＂Free Rides on all Light Rail Segments＂ from New Year’s Day until February 25, 2024.

Taiwan’s Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reported 326 new domestic cases of COVID-19 for the week of Dec. 19-25, with 99% of the newly infected individuals not having received the XBB.1.5-adapted vaccine. The CDC also noted a rise in fatalities, with 37 deaths, of which 97% had not been vaccinated with the XBB vaccine. The CDC highlighted that the domestic COVID-19 situation is worsening, with 78% of complications and 90% of deaths affecting people over the age of 65. The global positivity rate for COVID-19 is at its peak, and cases are increasing in neighboring Southeast Asian countries. Since the introduction of the XBB vaccine in Taiwan, almost all domestically reported cases of complications and fatalities have been among unvaccinated individuals. The CDC emphasized the protective role of the vaccine, citing recent Dutch research that found it to be over 70% effective against severe infection in the elderly. The domestic rollout of the XBB vaccine has reached 769,000 doses, with a two-month peak of 68,600 doses administered during the week of Dec. 19-25. The CDC encourages mask-wearing during end-of-year gatherings and New Year’s activities, especially in crowded, poorly ventilated places or when in close contact with vulnerable individuals. Prompt medical attention is advised for those displaying COVID-19 symptoms.

Taiwanese pop star Nick Chou was hospitalized on December 25 due to a severe cold. Frustrated with his condition, Chou took to social media, urging his fans to stay safe and wear masks. He was scheduled to perform at the New Year’s Eve celebration in Taichung Central Park. Known for his hit ＂So Handsome We Broke Up,＂ Chou enjoys popularity on both sides of the Taiwan Strait. His illness has caused significant concern among his fans as the end-of-year concerts and commercial performances approach.

Taiwan Power Company (Taipower) is planning to hire 1,103 specialists in various fields, including power distribution and transmission, substation, and electromechanical, by 2024. Applications for these positions will be accepted from January 2 to January 15, with preliminary exams scheduled for May 12 in Taipei, Taichung, Kaohsiung, and Hualien. The results of the preliminary exams will be announced on July 16, and the second round will take place on August 6 in Taipei. After selection, new recruits will undergo one year of training and will receive a starting salary of NT$32,000, along with performance bonuses amounting to approximately 4.4 months of year-end bonuses. The largest portion of the jobs on offer is for maintenance staff for power distribution lines, with 429 positions. The next highest category consists of 157 posts for general administration workers, including 38 positions reserved for individuals with disabilities. This recruitment drive also includes three new positions in material management and various other maintenance and engineering roles. Certain positions require higher qualifications, such as a manual car license or a commercial heavy vehicle license. Taipower aims to address staff retirements, ensure stable power supplies, and implement net-zero transformation in the power industry to meet Taiwan’s energy needs.

This story discusses the fluctuation in shares of AUO Corporation and TV panel prices in late December. The article mentions that the price of 55-inch 4K open-cell panels dropped by US$1 (0.8%) on December 22 due to TV manufacturers ceasing production for year-end demand. However, analysts predict that tier-one TV panel makers may increase their price quotes by US$1 to US$3 in January 2024. Despite this, final transaction prices are expected to remain unchanged due to market demand. The report also suggests a potential decline in quotes for larger panel sizes, while prices for all TV panel sizes are anticipated to stabilize and rebound in February. Furthermore, favorable conditions in the panel market are predicted for 2024, driven by stabilizing industry trends and the launch of AI phones and AI PCs. AUO Chairman Paul Peng expects mild growth in the first quarter of 2024 and a market growth rate between 3% to 5% throughout the year, with higher production capacity utilization compared to 2023. Peng also notes steady demand for automotive and industrial products, which will contribute to a stable production utilization rate, and highlights the increasing use of Human Machine Interface (HMI) technologies for LED and LCD panels.

EVA Air, a Taiwanese airline, has announced a record six-month year-end bonus, the highest since its establishment. The bonus will also be distributed to its subsidiaries, including airport services, sky kitchens, and aviation technologies. In addition, EVA Air plans to adjust salaries for employees in 2024, with ground and cabin crew members seeing an average adjustment of NT$5,000 and pilots receiving adjustments ranging from NT$11,000 to NT$20,000 based on their position. However, this announcement comes amidst potential strike action by EVA Air pilots, leading to concerns that the wage increase announcements are an attempt to pacify them. The Taoyuan Flight Attendants’ Union has emphasized the importance of fair distribution of year-end bonuses and salary increases regardless of the proposed pilot action. Rival airlines Starlux and China Airlines have also announced their year-end bonuses, with Starlux providing a one-month bonus and an approved salary increase of NT$2,000, and China Airlines reportedly planning to distribute a three-month bonus (although the union is demanding five months’ worth). In the marine transportation industry, YangMing Marine Transport Corporation has scaled down its year-end bonus from 13 months last year to two months this year due to a downturn in the shipping industry. The shipping corporations’ lower year-end bonuses are attributed to the ＂revenge-travel boom＂ post-pandemic. Other industries with high year-end bonuses include finance, semiconductor, and construction, with 1.83, 1.38, and 1.23 months respectively.

EVA Airways Corporation plans to reward its employees with generous year-end bonuses, averaging six months’ salary, due to the anticipated recovery of the global aviation industry in 2023. This unprecedented bonus is subject to the company’s annual earnings, with additional compensation expected to be distributed in mid-2024. The airline will also adjust salaries for ground and flight crews, with ground crew and cabin crew salaries increasing by approximately NT＄5,000 and pilots’ salaries by NT＄11,000 to NT＄20,000, depending on rank. However, these bonuses and salary adjustments are contingent on individual overall performance. Other companies under EVA’s jurisdiction, such as Evergreen Aviation Technologies Corp., Evergreen Airline Services Corporation, Evergreen Sky Catering Corporation, and Evergreen Air Cargo Services Corp., will also participate in the reward scheme.

The Customs Tariff Commission of China’s State Council has announced that starting from January 1 next year, it will suspend the application of preferential tariffs for 12 categories of chemically imported goods from Taiwan, including propylene and paraxylene. China claims that Taiwan violates ECFA regulations by imposing discriminatory trade measures for products exported from China, and a trade barrier investigation by China’s Ministry of Commerce confirmed these restrictions as a trade barrier. Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) accuses China of political manipulation and bypassing WTO dispute mechanisms. The Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) states that the export value of ECFA’s early harvest list to China has been decreasing, projected to retract to pre-ECFA levels by year-end. The MOEA proposes managing cross-strait economic disputes under the WTO mechanism and encourages China to do the same.

A new survey conducted by Cathay Financial Holding reveals that 59.3% of respondents expect their year-end bonuses for 2023 to be between one to three months’ worth of salary. Additionally, 45.9% of those polled anticipate a salary increase in 2024, with 9.2% expecting the raise to exceed 3%. However, only 8.3% foresee year-end bonuses topping three months’ salary, while 32.4% predict bonuses will fall below one month. In terms of regular monthly earnings in 2024, 47.6% of participants project stability. The survey also indicates that the average growth expectation for Taiwan’s economy in 2024 stands at 2.52%, with 70% of those surveyed predicting a growth rate above 2%. Respondents expect the inflation rate in 2024 to be 2.21%, with 55% believing it will remain above 2%. These figures differ from the projections by the Directorate-General of Budget, Accounting and Statistics, which forecasts a 3.35% growth rate and a 1.64% inflation rate for Taiwan in 2024. In December, the optimism index for Taiwan’s stock market rose sharply to 16.1 from -0.4 in November, and the risk appetite index increased from 10.3 to 13.9, indicating market anticipation of potential rate cuts by major central banks next year. The survey, conducted from Dec. 1 to 7, gathered 13,379 valid questionnaires via email from members of Cathay Life Insurance’s official website and customers of Cathay United Bank.

Nearly 46% of Taiwanese people expect a salary increase next year, according to a survey by Cathay Financial Holding Co. The survey also found that about 60% of respondents anticipate year-end bonuses ranging from one to three months’ salary, while 8.3% expect bonuses to exceed three months. However, 47.6% of those surveyed expect monthly wages to remain constant. The survey also revealed a conservative estimate for Taiwan’s 2024 economic growth, with an average expectation of 2.52%, contrasting with the more bullish 3.35% forecast by the Directorate-General of Budget, Accounting, and Statistics. Respondents predict an average inflation rate of 2.21%, with 55% believing it will exceed 2%, higher than the directorate’s projection of 1.64% for 2024. The survey was conducted from Dec. 1-7 and gathered 13,379 valid responses through email questionnaires.

A survey by Cathay Financial Holdings reveals that Taiwanese are increasingly optimistic about year-end bonuses and economic prospects. 59.3% of respondents expect bonuses ranging from one to three months’ salary, surpassing last year’s 55%. Furthermore, 8.3% anticipate bonuses exceeding three months’ pay, reflecting an improvement in attitudes towards Taiwan’s economy. The Directorate-General of Budget, Accounting and Statistics predicts a 3.35% economic growth in 2024 with an inflation rate of 1.64%, but the public is more cautious, expecting a 2.52% growth and a 2.21% inflation rate. The optimism index for the local stock market has also improved. Additionally, 45.9% of Taiwanese anticipate salary increases, a 13.2 percentage point increase from 2022, while those expecting a steady monthly income dropped by 10.9 percentage points to 47.6%. Only 32.4% believe their year-end bonus will be less than one month’s salary, a decrease of 5.6 percentage points from the previous year.