On May 1, 2025, thousands of workers in Taiwan are expected to take to the streets in a massive Labor Day demonstration, led by the Labor Day 51 Alliance. The coalition of labor unions and NGOs is presenting seven major demands to the government — including a four-day work week, wage hikes, pension reforms, and stronger workplace protections. Organizers are calling it a critical moment for rebalancing Taiwan’s work-life culture and ensuring dignity in the modern labor environment.
March Details and Route
The rally will kick off at Ketagalan Boulevard, directly in front of the Presidential Office, and proceed along Zhongxiao West Road and Zhongshan South Road before circling back. Organizers estimate around 5,000 participants — a significant turnout reflecting growing frustration among workers, especially in high-stress and underpaid sectors like caregiving, education, and healthcare.
In-Depth Breakdown of the Taiwan four-day workweek labor demands
1. Four-Day Work Week & More Public Holidays
The headline demand is a major shift in Taiwan’s work culture — a gradual transition to a four-day work week. While many nations have started exploring this model to enhance productivity and mental well-being, Taiwan still maintains a relatively long average work week by OECD standards. Labor groups are urging amendments to the Labor Standards Act to support reduced working hours without a reduction in pay.
Moreover, the Alliance is calling for Labor Day to be made a national holiday, emphasizing the irony that many Taiwanese don’t get time off on a day meant to honor workers.
2. Stronger Paid Leave Protections
The alliance demands more special leave days for workers, particularly for family needs, mental health, and personal emergencies. Taiwan’s current leave structure, while decent by Asian standards, is still considered inflexible and often difficult to access without employer resistance.
3. Anti-Bullying Measures in All Workplaces
Taiwan’s Occupational Safety and Health Act currently lacks robust enforcement mechanisms for workplace bullying. Labor leaders want explicit language added to protect both civil servants and private sector employees from abuse. They also propose an independent oversight committee to handle bullying complaints — including labor union reps and neutral third parties — to prevent employer retaliation.
This demand follows multiple high-profile cases of workplace abuse in the tech, healthcare, and service sectors that have surfaced in the past year, prompting a national conversation on emotional safety at work.
4. Boost Labor Pension Contributions
Currently, employers are required to contribute a minimum of 6% of a worker’s monthly salary to their pension fund. The Alliance seeks an increase in this base rate to account for inflation, wage stagnation, and Taiwan’s aging population. They also want to remove the 45-month cap on lump-sum pension calculations under the older retirement system — a move that could benefit thousands of pre-2005 workers.
5. Raise Minimum Wage
With inflation continuing to erode purchasing power, especially amid global food and housing price spikes, the alliance is asking for:
- An increase in the monthly minimum wage from NT$28,590 to NT$32,000
- A raise in the hourly wage from NT$190 to NT$210
These figures would help realign wages with current living costs, particularly in urban centers like Taipei and Taichung, where even entry-level employees struggle to make ends meet.
6. More Union Power and Better Bargaining Rights
Despite Taiwan’s relatively progressive labor laws, unionization remains low in many industries due to high organizational barriers and social stigma. The Alliance is pushing for lower thresholds to form labor unions and a legal framework that forces employers to engage in fair negotiation practices. This would be especially significant for migrant workers and contract-based employees who currently have limited bargaining power.
7. Just Transition for Carbon-Heavy Sectors & Addressing Staff Shortages
As Taiwan works toward net-zero emissions, the Alliance emphasizes the need for a “just transition” — protecting workers in high-emission industries from job losses. They’re also calling attention to chronic labor shortages in caregiving, nursing, teaching, and early childhood education, which worsened after the pandemic and remain unresolved despite growing public concern.
Why This Protest Matters in 2025
Taiwan’s labor movement has historically taken a backseat to economic growth priorities. However, rising inequality, inflation, and burnout are changing the narrative. The 2025 Labor Day march reflects a broader cultural shift — one that acknowledges not just wage justice but dignity, mental health, and climate responsibility.
This movement is not merely about protest; it’s about redefining Taiwan’s post-pandemic work identity.
FAQs
When and where will the 2025 Labor Day march take place?
The march will be held on May 1, 2025, beginning at Ketagalan Boulevard in front of the Presidential Office, passing Zhongxiao West Road and Zhongshan South Road.
Who is organizing the protest?
The protest is led by the Labor Day 51 Alliance, a coalition of Taiwanese labor unions and NGOs.
What are the key demands?
Key demands include a four-day work week, higher minimum wage, pension reform, anti-bullying protections, and union support.
How many people are expected to join?
Organizers estimate up to 5,000 participants across different sectors.
What sectors are most affected by the demands?
The demands are especially relevant for workers in healthcare, education, manufacturing, childcare, and high-emission industries.
