Premier Lai Ching-te on Monday presented awards to 51 honorees at a Labor Day ceremony celebrating model workers. The premier also thanked workers throughout the nation for their efforts and industry, noting that the national economy has recovered following a period of stagnation and is now growing steadily. By raising salaries, lowering taxes, loosening employment regulations and providing fiscal stimulus, the government will work hand in hand with the people to promote cooperation between employers and employees so that Taiwan can continue to grow and flourish.
The economy grew by 2.86 percent in 2017, said the premier, a three-year high. Export orders also set a new record in 2017, rising about 11 percent to a total of US$492.8 billion, while the TAIEX stock market index held steadily above 10,000 for a record-setting length of time. Average monthly salaries for workers hit a record high of NT$49,989 (US$1,642). In addition, March of this year saw unemployment drop to a 17-year low of 3.66 percent, even as the labor participation rate rose to 58.87 percent.
In the two years since her inauguration, President Tsai Ing-wen has demonstrated her concern for economic growth and the interests of working-class citizens by twice raising the minimum wage, adding NT$1,992 (US$67) to establish a monthly minimum of NT$22,000 (US$743). The Executive Yuan also proposed amendments to the Labor Standards Act, which were passed by the Legislature, to protect the rights and interests of workers while also providing room for cooperation between employers and employees, thereby increasing flexibility in the labor market.
The 51 honorees at the event all share three characteristics despite their disparate jobs, said Premier Lai. The first is outstanding performance, the second is a dedication to work and ability to innovate to improve unit-wide outcomes, and the third is a spirit of teamwork and mentoring newer employees. The awards ceremony recognizes labor's valuable contributions to Taiwan's prosperity and provides the nation with an opportunity to wish the workers of Taiwan a happy Labor Day.