TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Labor unions on Wednesday (Oct. 23) called for seven additional national holidays to allow workers adequate rest. 

The Legislative Yuan held a public hearing on the executive order, Implementation Regulations on Memorial Days and Holidays, per CNA. Labor unions, including Taiwan Solidarity Front Confederation of Trade Unions and Chunghwa Telecom Workers' Union, issued a joint statement requesting seven additional national holidays.

They argued these holidays should be universal, as current laws exclude specific groups or professions. Unlike those employed by non-government organizations, military staff, civil servants, and teachers are not regarded as laborers and do not get Labor Day off.

Chunghwa Telecom Workers' Union President Hung Hsiu-lung (洪秀龍) said the number of national holidays in Taiwan, 12, is lower than in Japan, 16, and South Korea, 15. At the same time, Taiwanese people’s average working hours are the sixth highest globally at 2,008 hours, while Japanese work an average of 1,626 hours and South Koreans 1,904 hours.

Meanwhile, Taiwan Solidarity Front Confederation of Trade Unions President Ho Cheng-chia (何政家) said the proportion of employee compensation to overall GDP in Taiwan is lower than its East Asian neighbors. In 2021, Taiwan’s employee remuneration accounted for 43.1% of GDP, while the US accounted for 53.5%, Japan for 53.2%, and South Korea for 46.7%. 

There new law contains seven proposals, which have all passed the first reading and are pending review. DPP legislative caucus secretary-general Wu Szu-yao (吳思瑤) said changes should not cater to populist opinions nor target specific groups, and that they should strike a balance based on Taiwan's industrial needs and economic development.