Taiwanese workers march in Taipei demanding higher wages, pension upgrades and profit-sharing rules

On Ketagalan Boulevard, hundreds of workers from across Taiwan assembled to demand higher wages, increased employer pension contributions and transparent profit-sharing rules. Ho Cheng-chia of the Taiwan Solidarity Front Confederation of Trade Unions argued that the statutory 6 percent employer contribution, set in 2005, fails to secure adequate retirement savings and should be lifted to 9 percent as a first step, then to 15 percent.

He also pressed for changes to Article 29 of the Labor Standards Act to define profit-sharing obligations beyond the tech sector. The demonstration came after strikes at AGC Display Glass Taiwan and snack maker Kuai Kuai, and after unions at Chunghwa Telecom and Micron Technology voted on strike authorizations. Chunghwa Telecom Workers' Union chairman Teng Ke-lien said a walkout is unlikely before year-end but emphasized the right to strike.

Taoyuan Confederation of Trade Unions chairwoman Shih Shu-hua warned of a nationwide general strike ahead of the 2028 elections if pension reforms remain blocked. The Ministry of Labor said it is open to raising contributions but stresses careful evaluation, while also promoting ESG incentives and upcoming minimum-wage hikes.