Taiwan

In the last decade, Taiwan has been reducing the income gender gap; however, Taiwanese women are still discriminated against in terms of raises, promotions, and salary.

In order the combat the current slow economic growth, President Ma Ying-jeou announced plans to decrease working hours and monitor unpaid leave. Also, in an effort to reduce unemployment, Ma proposed changing current labor laws.

Taiwans Council of Labor Affairs (CLA) met in early May to discuss loosening regulations on employment of foreign white-collar workers.

Taiwans Council of Labor Affairs (CLA) is contemplating raising the countrys minimum wage once again, after a recent hike in January 2011.

Taiwans Council of Labor Affairs (CLA) plans to raise the maximum fine for work hour violations to NT$200,000 ($6,766) from NT60,000 ($2,030).

As announced on September 29, 2010 by the Taiwanese government, Taiwan's basic wage (i.e. minimum wage) rose on January 1, 2011.

Taiwans labor insurance includes multiples facets of protection including old-age pension benefits, disability pension benefits, and survivor pension benefits.

In response to a number of recent deaths caused by overwork, the Council of Labor Affairs (CLA) in Taiwan is mobilizing to increase enforcement of the Labor Standards Law.

In June 2010, the Taiwanese government passed the Labor Unions Act. This new law will work in conjunction with the Group Contract Law (2008) and Law for Settlement of Labor-Management Disputes (2009).

On May 1, 2010, more than 10,000 Taiwanese workers assembled in protest of their country's plan for an Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement (ECFA) with China.

First quarter statistics released in April 2010 show signs that Taiwans economy is on the way to recovery from the effects of the global recession.

On January 11, 2010, Taiwans Council of Labor Affairs (CLA) released information on its website regarding draft revisions to the countrys Labor Standards Law.

On April 17, more than 7,000 workers went on strike in Dongguan, China. Strikes in this southern Chinese city, in the heart of heavily industrialized Guangdong province, have become increasingly common in recent years.

On March 22, 2008, Ma Ying-jeou, leader of Taiwans Kuomintang (KMT) Party, was elected President of Taiwan. Mr. Ma has advocated increased trade and stronger economic links between Taiwan and mainland China.

Taiwan lawmakers recently passed a bill making it illegal for employers to specify age restrictions in recruitment advertising.

On July 1, 2007, Taiwan will raise its minimum hourly wage by 44% to $2.88. The national minimum monthly wage will also be raised by around 9% to $523.64.

A new social security tax for residents of Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macau working in mainland China took effect on October 1, 2005. This new tax policy was first issued by the Chinese Ministry of Labor and Social Security (MLSS) in June 2005.

On July 1, 2005, the Labor Pension Act (LPA) was implemented in Taiwan, establishing a new, portable, defined contribution scheme for employees.

But despite the nearly 100% enrollment of Taiwanese citizens in the National Health Insurance program, the NHI is struggling financially. Taiwan has therefore announced several fee increases, which will be implemented July 15, 2005.

The Council of Labor Affairs (CLA) announced that it will be relaxing the regulations governing the hiring of foreign executives by foreign firms.

Taiwans Council of Labor Affairs (CLA) has revised regulations regarding occupational diseases and deaths caused by overwork.

On June 11, 2004, Taiwans government passed a new bill which will change the pension system in Taiwan. The bill will go into effect beginning July 2005.

Procuring work permits for foreign white-collar workers is now easier in Taiwan, thanks to a newly consolidated and streamlined process.

In order to encourage greater numbers of foreign professionals in Taiwan, the Council of Labor Affairs (CLA) is considering revising its current requirements for white-collar foreign employees with graduate education.

A recent 2003 survey on expatriate packages in the Asia region found that expatriates in Hong Kong working for multinational firms received the highest perks among their counterparts in the region.

In the beginning of 2003, the Taiwanese Legislative Yuan (Council) ratified the Massive Layoff Protection Law in order to protect employees from mass layoffs without measures to protect their interests.

Recent statistics released by Taiwans Council of Labor Affairs (CLA) found that more and more Taiwanese women are entering the labor force.

As part of China's efforts to fully implement the countrys Green Card (permanent residence permit) system and to attract foreign talent, officials announced that residency benefits would be offered to top executives from Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan.

On September 1, 2002, the Taiwanese government raised the National Health Insurance (NHI) premiums from 4.25% to 4.55%. Since then, millions of workers have been in an uproar and are refusing to pay the additional 0.3%.

As a result of corporate scandals, a huge debate is ensuing in the United States and many other countries around the world regarding the need to expense stock options issued by corporations as compensation to top executives.

On March 14, the Department of Health announced that premiums would not be raised; instead, amendments will be made to the National Health Insurance Law. That will include raising rates for soldiers, civil servants and the rich.

The law includes symbolic declarations of equality between the sexes, as well as concrete provisions that make it easier for women to participate fully in the workforce. Sexual discrimination legislation is also included.

WTO accession means that the Taiwanese government will loosen trade barriers and lower tariffs. One short-term result of WTO accession will be an increase in Taiwans unemployment rate.

For years, worldwide growth in technology spending fueled Taiwans economy. However, after growing 5.9% last year, Taiwans economic situation has changed dramatically.

Taiwanese companies plan to increase managerial staff at Mainland operations