In a revealing report released by Taiwan’s Ministry of Labor (MOL) on Tuesday, nearly 25% of employers inspected were found to have violated labor laws protecting student and part-time workers, including infractions by major corporations and state-run entities. The findings were the result of 1,800 targeted labor inspections conducted in the first half of 2024. The report shines a light on a growing concern: that Taiwan’s most vulnerable workforce — its students and part-time employees — continue to face systemic labor exploitation.
Scope of the Problem
The MOL revealed that 448 violations were documented, resulting in NT$12.82 million (approximately US$439,000) in total fines. Shockingly, three employers were referred to prosecutors for illegally scheduling underage workers for night shifts, a clear breach of child labor protections.
The violation rate of 24.89% among companies employing part-time or student workers is significantly higher than the average violation rate of 18–20% across all industries, according to Lin Yu-tang (林毓堂), director of the MOL’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
Top Violations Identified
The violations reflect a wide range of labor abuses:
- 🔸 Failure to pay proper wages on designated rest days – 133 cases
- 🔸 Lack of double pay on national holidays – 113 cases
- 🔸 Excessive work periods (working more than 6 days in a row) – 109 cases
- 🔸 Illegal night shifts assigned to minors – 3 criminal referrals
Industry-Specific Offenders
The restaurant and food service sector emerged as the worst offender, responsible for 48% of all violations. Fast food franchises, bubble tea chains, and sit-down eateries often rely heavily on student and part-time labor, especially during the summer months.
The MOL’s findings suggest that popular chains may be systematically violating labor laws due to poor oversight, high staff turnover, or cost-cutting practices. Some state-owned enterprises were also implicated, raising questions about institutional accountability.
Broader Context: Rising Youth Participation
According to Labor Minister Hung Sun-han (洪申翰), the findings come at a time when youth labor force participation is increasing. The youth unemployment rate in May 2025 was 7.57%, the lowest May figure in 18 years, and marked improvements from previous years.
“More young people are joining the workforce to gain experience or earn income,” Hung noted, emphasizing the need for employers to comply with regulations and provide safe, fair working conditions.
The data suggest that Taiwan’s youth are increasingly active in summer jobs, making this an especially critical time to ensure compliance and oversight.
Government Response and Next Steps
To address the violations and improve oversight, the Ministry of Labor said it will:
- Increase random and targeted inspections during summer and school breaks.
- Launch an educational campaign aimed at informing student workers of their rights.
- Develop a “Black List” database of repeat offenders that will be made publicly accessible.
- Encourage anonymous whistleblower complaints through a 24/7 labor protection hotline.
Hung also urged educational institutions to partner with labor departments to ensure students are placed in internships and jobs that respect legal protections.
❓FAQs
What was the main violation found during inspections?
The most frequent violation was failing to pay proper wages on designated rest days, followed by not offering double pay on national holidays and requiring employees to work more than six consecutive days.
Which sector had the most labor law violations?
The restaurant and food service industry accounted for nearly half of all reported violations, reflecting poor compliance in fast-paced service environments.
Are underage students protected by law in Taiwan?
Yes, Taiwan law prohibits night shifts and hazardous work for minors. Violations involving underage workers led to criminal referrals in at least three cases.
What actions will the Ministry of Labor take?
The MOL plans to intensify inspections, launch awareness campaigns, and develop a public blacklist of repeat violators to protect vulnerable workers.
Why is this issue particularly urgent now?
With more students entering the workforce during summer, the risks of exploitation grow. The falling youth unemployment rate is encouraging but highlights the need for safe, regulated work environments.
