Taiwan’s minimum wage is set for another increase after labor and employer representatives reached a last-minute compromise following unusually lengthy negotiations.
The Minimum Wage Review Committee agreed to raise the monthly minimum wage from NT$29,500 to NT$30,900, while the hourly minimum wage will climb from NT$196 to NT$205. Both increases amount to approximately 4.75%.
The agreement came after the annual wage-review meeting stretched into Thursday evening, well beyond the committee’s usual finishing time of around 2 p.m. or 3 p.m. Taiwan News reported that the prolonged negotiations were among the longest in recent years.
Labor and Employers Clashed Over the Increase
The negotiations began with a significant gap between the two sides.
Labor groups initially pushed for a 7.77% increase, while employer representatives backed a much smaller 3% rise, citing differences in economic conditions across industries.
Labor representatives later reduced their proposal to 6.6%. Academics involved in the meeting subsequently suggested a 5.62% increase based on economic growth, employment conditions and inflation data.
Employers rejected that proposal, questioning some of the data used in the calculation, including figures dating back to 2014. The negotiations then moved into separate discussions as both sides attempted to narrow the remaining gap.
The Final NT$400 Gap
As negotiations continued, the difference between the two sides narrowed to just NT$400 per month.
Labor representatives sought at least NT$31,100, while employers offered NT$30,700, according to Taiwan News’ report citing Liberty Times.
Employers eventually increased their offer by NT$200 and asked labor representatives to reduce their demand by the same amount. The compromise produced the final figure of NT$30,900 per month.
The decision means Taiwan’s minimum wage will continue its upward trend, with the latest adjustment marking another increase in the country’s statutory wage floor.
Why the Increase Matters
Labor representatives argued that economic conditions could support a larger increase, pointing to continued growth in artificial-intelligence-related industries and expansion in parts of Taiwan’s traditional economy.
The debate highlights the competing pressures surrounding Taiwan’s wage policy: workers are seeking higher incomes as living costs remain a concern, while employers in different industries face varying economic conditions and operating costs.
The new figures will be closely watched by employees, businesses and policymakers as Taiwan continues balancing wage growth with broader economic conditions.
Key figures:
• Monthly minimum wage: NT$30,900
• Previous monthly minimum wage: NT$29,500
• Hourly minimum wage: NT$205
• Previous hourly minimum wage: NT$196
• Increase: about 4.75%
WWC ONE MEDIA G,A
