Taiwan’s labour minister hopeful for larger minimum wage hike next year

The hike is required to support sectors badly impacted by the pandemic, including hotel, F&B and assorted services.
By: | August 27, 2021
Topics: Compensation and Benefits | Health and Wellness | News | Taiwan

Taiwan’s labour minister Hsu Ming-chun hopes that the Ministry of Labour’s (MOL) Minimum Wage Review Committee will propose a bigger wage increase in 2022 than the 0.84% hike in 2021, she said in an interview, according to Taiwan News. 

She hopes that the committee would look at figures carefully to reach a positive minimum wage decision for next year, noting that with the minimal minimum wage increase approved this year and the pandemic posing greater challenges to businesses in certain industries, all workers have been pulling together to cope through the pandemic. 

She added that while Taiwan’s manufacturing sector has been receiving a high volume of orders and export demand, sectors such as the hotel, F&B, and assorted services have all suffered.

Taiwan’s monthly minimum wage this year rose from NT$23,800 (US$852) to NT$24,000 (US$859), and its minimum hourly wage was raised from NT$158 (S$5.66) to NT$160 (US$5.73).

READ: Income gap widens in Taiwan due to pandemic

The Minimum Wage Review Committee typically convenes in August, but due to the pandemic, Hsu noted that meetings would take place possibly in September. 

She reiterated her hopes that with support from the government’s relief and stimulus measures, the minimum wage rate set for next year would be able to see a larger increase.