On May 1, 2025, labor unions and worker advocacy groups gathered in front of the Presidential Office in Taipei, staging a large-scale demonstration to demand urgent reforms to Taiwan’s labor policies. The demonstration — held on International Workers’ Day — was fueled by ongoing frustration over harsh working conditions, workplace bullying, stagnant wage growth, and increasing working hours.
📌 The Catalyst: Tragedy Exposes Workplace Bullying in Government
One of the core issues raised during the protests was the alleged workplace bullying that led to the tragic suicide of a Ministry of Labor (MOL) staff member in November 2024. The staffer reportedly faced prolonged psychological abuse under Hsieh Yi-jung (謝宜容), then-director of the MOL’s Workforce Development Agency in New Taipei. The case sent shockwaves through the nation and spotlighted toxic managerial practices even within government institutions.
Hsieh was subsequently dismissed after being issued two major demerits, but for labor groups, this punishment did little to address the systemic issues plaguing Taiwan’s workplaces.
🚨 Rising Workload: Taiwan Among the Most Overworked in Asia
Taiwanese workers are logging among the highest working hours in Asia, second only to Singapore, according to the Ministry of Labor’s 2024 statistics. Average annual working hours stood at 2,030.4 hours in 2024, an increase from 2,019 in 2023 and 2,008 in 2022.
This trend flies in the face of Taiwan’s supposed efforts to align with international labor standards, as workers continue to report burnout, health issues, and job insecurity. The government’s silence on shortening the legal maximum weekly working hours — currently capped at 40 hours with possible 12 hours of overtime — was a key point of protest.
💰 Wage Stagnation and Worker Exploitation
Despite Taiwan’s advanced economy and booming tech sector, wages for ordinary workers have largely stagnated. Many labor groups argue that wealth creation has not been fairly distributed and that corporate profits have not translated into better pay or benefits for the working class.
Moreover, the rise of temporary contracts, subcontracting, and gig work has undermined job security for millions. Low-wage sectors, including caregiving, construction, and food service, remain especially vulnerable.
🧩 Political Inertia and Public Disillusionment
Taiwan Confederation of Trade Unions President Tai Kuo-jung (戴國榮) gave a powerful statement during the demonstration, accusing the government of ignoring long-standing demands for labor reforms:
“It’s no different from bullying workers from all walks of life when the government fails to act on these demands.”
The Taiwan People’s Party lawmaker Chang Chi-kai (張啓楷) echoed similar sentiments at a press conference, stating that lip service without policy changes would only worsen public distrust in the current administration.
🚗 Protests Reflect Global Economic Tensions
Adding another layer to the protest was anger over the impact of U.S. tariffs — recently announced by President Donald Trump — on Taiwan’s automotive and electronics industries. Workers from these sectors say they are already experiencing the ripple effects in the form of furloughs, production slowdowns, and potential layoffs, making urgent labor protections more important than ever.
✊ Demands from the Streets
Labor groups laid out clear policy demands:
- Enact strict anti-bullying legislation with real enforcement power.
- Reduce legal working hours and promote better work-life balance.
- Implement wage reforms to raise minimum pay and narrow income gaps.
- Strengthen protection for contract and gig workers.
- Hold abusive managers accountable through independent oversight.
📚 FAQs
What sparked the 2025 labor protest in Taiwan?
The protest was driven by multiple factors: a high-profile suicide related to workplace bullying in the Ministry of Labor, rising annual working hours, stagnant wages, and lack of meaningful labor reforms.
What are Taiwanese workers’ main concerns?
Workers are demanding anti-bullying protections, shorter working hours, higher wages, and improved labor rights for contract and gig workers.
How has the government responded to these issues?
So far, the government has dismissed the official involved in the bullying case but has not implemented systemic reforms. Labor leaders argue that the administration’s inaction is part of the problem.
What role do U.S. tariffs play in the protest?
U.S. tariffs on Taiwan’s exports, particularly in automotive and manufacturing, have led to job instability and have been a backdrop to growing economic anxiety among workers.
Are Taiwan’s working hours higher than international standards?
Yes. Taiwan has the second-highest working hours in Asia, well above OECD averages, causing concern over burnout and labor exploitation.
