TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Labor Minister Ho Pei-shan (何佩珊) on Thursday (Oct. 17) defined the financial status of a “low-wage worker," drawing criticism from a Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) legislator. 

On Thursday morning, Ho fielded questions from legislators at a session of the Legislative Yuan's Social Welfare and Environmental Hygiene Committee. During the session, DPP Legislator Lin Shu-fen (林淑芬) asked Ho whether the Ministry of Labor (MOL) has determined its definition of “low-wage worker." 

Ho responded that the definition of low wages follows the OECD standard of two-thirds of the median salary. She said that currently the median salary in Taiwan is about NT$46,000 (US$1,400), so two-thirds would be NT$31,000.

However, Lin Shu-fen pointed out that with next year’s minimum wage set at NT$28,590, even earning NT$2,000 more would still be considered a low wage under the MOL definition. 

Lin also noted that the starting salary for job postings from the MOL's Workforce Development Agency (WDA) in late September was NT$29,000 and said, “Basically, the government is leading the way in giving low wages.”

Ho replied that next year, the salaries for these WDA positions will all be adjusted to NT$32,000, with additional funding provided through contracting funds. Ho said the related budget has already been prepared and she hoped legislators would support it.