Ministry of Labor to respond to proposal for 4-day work week

Ministry of Labor to respond to proposal for 4-day work week

2025-11-24

Would you like a three-day weekend? More than 5,000 people have signed a proposal for such a change on the government’s online policy platform, meaning the Ministry of Labor will have to respond to it before Dec. 7. Let’s hear what people think.

Worker
In favor of four-day week
I’d love to have three-day weekends. I could really do with the extra rest.

Worker
Against four-way week
I worry that my salary would shrink. And if the workload stays the same, we’ll just end up working overtime.

Voice of Lee Yu-chia
National Association of Small and Medium Enterprises
For SMEs, operations rely heavily on manpower, so costs would rise across the board. You’d have to pay overtime, and find replacements, so you’d end up paying higher costs.

Hung Sun-han
Minister of Labor
Workers have different opinions on the matter, and I believe companies also do, especially depending on their size.

Workers are hoping for a better work-life balance. But employers are concerned they’ll ultimately have to pay more in wages. Some say that the impact of such a change would not be a major issue in the tech sector where efficiency could be maintained through automation. But traditional industries and the service sector could take some time to adapt to the change.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#4dayworkweek #3dayweekend #workersrights #work #labor

週休三日提案連署過關勞動部12/7前須回應

2025-11-24

日前有民眾在「公共政策網路參與平臺」提案，力推「週休三日」，截至今（24）日，已有高過五千人連署，勞動部必須於12月7日前回應。

[[上班族]]
“非常期待有週休三日，因為我真的很想休息。”

[[上班族]]
“(擔心)薪水是不是會變少。工作量是一樣的話，那其實就變相說是要加班。”

[[聲源:全國中小企業總會理事長李育家]]
“(中小企業)靠人力的地方多，靠人力的地方多，他就會產生，你成本整個會加高。你要找人加班、找人代替，你給他的薪資又會變成說，比原來的成本還高。”

[[勞動部長洪申翰]]
“其實不同的勞工對這個議題上，也有不同的看法，那我相信可能對企業來說也會有，因為企業規模上面會不同。”

勞工希望縮短工時，提升工作與生活平衡，但站在資方角度，人力，薪資都將成為問題，工時縮減，就是變相提高人力成本，除了軟體、科技業，可以透過自動化工具維持效率，其他傳統產業、服務業和物流等，都將面臨嚴苛考驗。

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Long-expired fire extinguisher explodes in Keelung neighborhood

A dry chemical fire extinguisher i exploded spontaneously on Monday morning in Keelung. The explosion was so powerful that even the exterior of an AC right above it was left with a huge crater. Worst part is that this isn’t the first time for this to happen in the neighborhood, as a similar incident took place three years ago. The extinguisher was past its expiry date but was not listed in the city government’s records, and so wasn’t replaced in time.

The cylinder is severely corroded and there’s a gaping hole at the bottom. The floor around it is covered entirely in dry chemical powder and shards. This fire extinguisher exploded spontaneously.

Locals are aware that the fire extinguisher had been on this wall for a really long time. The explosion happened a little past 11 on Monday morning. On the cylinder, it says the fire extinguisher was manufactured in June 2020. The shelf life for a dry chemical extinguisher is usually three years, meaning it’s long expired. So how did the explosion happen? Turns out, the hook that held it up against the wall broke, and it exploded crashing against the floor. The reaction force was so strong, it even damaged the exterior of an AC above it. The dry chemical powder was everywhere. Fortunately, no one was injured.

Hung Wen-ching
Juren Borough warden
This fire extinguisher that exploded was from 2020. It’s good for three years. Why hasn’t the city government replaced it yet?

In fact, this isn’t a first time for a fire extinguisher to explode in this neighborhood. The last time was in July 2022. Separately, another explosion took place in August 2023 at Renai Market downtown. Recently, the Keelung City Government earmarked NT$8 million to procure more than 8,000 fire extinguishers, but many units in the city are not in the government’s records, including the one that just exploded.

Kao Cheng-huang
Keelung City Fire Department
We didn’t have these two extinguishers in our records. We hope that members of the public won’t move the fire extinguishers away from where the city government had them installed, because that would make it impossible for us to track down in our records.

Sung Wei-li
Keelung City representative (KMT)
It’s like a bomb. Fortunately there weren’t any passers-by. If a passer-by got hit by the explosion, it’d be over for them.

There are at least 70 other fire extinguishers in the neighborhood with the cylinders similarly corroded. The competent authorities had cordoned off the surroundings of these units so as to prevent any injuries, should another explosion occur.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

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2025-11-24

Consumer dispute flares after woman cut by knife left in washing machine

A woman in New Taipei’s Sanchong District recently accused the owner of a laundromat of neglecting safety, after she was cut and her clothing destroyed by a blade that was left in one of the washing machines. To protest his innocence, the owner posted CCTV footage of the machine in question showing the previous customer using it without incident, and suggesting that the customer forgot the blade in one of her pockets.

Inside this laundromat, a woman wearing a white coat is about to take her clean clothes out of the washer. But she suddenly jumps back, realizing that her finger is bleeding.

How could you get cut from a pile of clothes? She looks back into the washer to find a 5cm-long blade inside.

Hung Chiao-hsuan
FTV reporter
The woman was here at this laundromat. She went to take her clothes out of the washer, only to find that they were cut into pieces. Even her finger got sliced.

The incident happened at a laundromat in New Taipei’s Sanchong District. The woman accused the owner of failing to keep the machines safe, but the owner posted CCTV footage to proclaim his innocence.

Voice of laundromat owner
I’m not shirking responsibility, but the customer below should have checked. This is a laundromat after all. There isn’t an attendant. The previous customer didn’t have an issue. I’m getting blamed for something I didn’t have anything to do with.

Voice of customer (altered)
He’s trying to completely shirk all responsibility, saying it’s all the users’ problem. There’s a risk of infection here.

Wang Chih-yu
New Taipei chief ombudsman
In this case, of course the owner will advocate for himself and say he didn’t put the blade there and wasn’t negligent. The customer can still request compensation. If the laundromat has public liability insurance, they can still mitigate risk through their insurance after paying compensation.

This customer got injured while just trying to do her laundry, but the owner also feels wronged. Seems like the takeaway is just to remember to check your clothes and the machine for dangerous items. A little caution can prevent a lot of trouble.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#laundromat #washingmachine #danger #liability #consumerprotection #Sanchong #NewTaipei #accusation #accident

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Wild dogs threaten migratory spoonbill populations in Chiayi

Every year from October to April, thousands of black-faced spoonbills come to Taiwan for the winter. When a videographer was filming the birds at wetlands near Provincial Highway 17 in Chiayi’s Budai Township, he was surprised to see many wild dogs there as well, scaring the birds and potentially disrupting the ecosystem.

A small dog wanders around these wetlands, sometimes picking up the pace to scare away some egrets and black-faced spoonbills.

And it’s not just this one. If you look closely, you can see four stray dogs among the flock of birds. This is the wetland alongside Provincial Highway 17 in Chiayi’s Budai Township. What’s usually a tranquil habitat for migratory birds has recently also become home to a pack of stray dogs, to the concern of conservationists.

Su Chia-hung
Videographer
They scare the spoonbills a little. They’re looking for something to eat, like eggs. They’ll also eat some migratory or injured birds.

Every year from October to April, over 4,000 black-faced spoonbills fly to Taiwan for the winter. After Cigu in Tainan, Chiayi is the second-largest roosting spot for the birds. The videographer posted footage to social media in the hopes of bringing attention to the danger stray dogs pose to wild birds.

Su Chia-hung
Videographer
I found that some of the dogs have collars. Owners shouldn’t allow their dogs to run around with strays and disrupt the wetlands.

Chien Chen-le
Chiayi animal protection director
We will increase patrols and capture. If we suspect a dog with a collar has an owner, and they’re found to have neglected their responsibilities, we can fine them at least NT$86,000 under the Animal Protection Act.

Although there has been no evidence so far that any birds have been injured, the wetlands are still overrun with strays. Conservationists are calling on the authorities to address the issue and ensure these temporary visitors have a warm welcome.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#blackfacedspoonbill #egret #migratorybirds #wetland #ecology #straydogs #strays #environment #conservation #ecologicalthreat #nature

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Pingtung vendors offer unique ways of enjoying roast chicken

You’ve probably had roast chicken before, but you may not have had it like this. Roast chicken can be made in a variety of ways, each of which gives the meat a unique flavor. Today we will visit Pingtung to explore some local roasting methods, including teapot chicken, where the whole bird is placed inside a teapot-shaped clay kiln and cooked over charcoal. Another method is steel pipe chicken, in which the bird is skewered on a metal pipe and roasted using longan wood. Let’s take a look.

Multiple fresh chickens are skewered on steel pipes and roasted while spinning 360 degrees—the aroma is immediately mouthwatering. Known as steel pipe chicken, this is a method of roasting chicken that’s popular in Pingtung’s Jiadong Township.

Roast chicken vendor
It’s an open roasting style using longan or lychee wood charcoal. The juices stay sealed inside the chicken.

The chicken is dry marinated with Java olive leaves and other spices, and is skewered with a steel pipe that conducts heat to ensure even cooking. Carefully selected longan wood enhances the flavor. Another standout roasting method is teapot chicken.

A whole chicken is placed inside a teapot-shaped clay kiln, and firewood is burned underneath. The result is crispy skin on the outside and tender, juicy meat on the inside. Located along the Ping-E Highway, the restaurant is unmistakable with large teapots adorning its outer walls.

Customer
The meat’s not dry at all. It’s tender and the skin is crispy.

Customer
It might be due to the use of the clay pot. It’s crispy, and the aroma from the seasoning comes through more.

Roast chicken vendor
Roasting it over wood gives it a slightly smoky flavor.

We now visit a vendor in urban Pingtung, where each chicken is stuffed with the shop’s secret recipe and roasted using modern equipment, giving off an irresistible aroma. Every chicken comes out with golden, crispy skin that makes your mouth water.

Customer
I had it once, it was really good. The skin is very crispy.

Roast chicken vendor
We marinate the chicken for three days, flipping it each day. Then we air-dry it for a day before roasting. It’s a complex process.

With so many different roasting techniques, even the most discerning diner is likely to find something that suits their palate.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
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MOEA-backed projects win 7 R&D 100 accolades

Every year, the R&D 100 Awards, also known as the Oscars of Innovation, names 100 top innovations. For the 2025 awards season, six projects from Taiwan backed by the Ministry of Economics won a total of seven awards. Three of the winning projects came from ITRI, while the other three were, respectively from the Taiwan Textile Research Institute, the Institute for Information Industry, and the Metal Industries Research & Development Centre. Over 18 years, Taiwan has won more than 100 accolades from R&D 100, showing the county’s innovative abilities.

Winners of the prestigious R&D 100 Awards this year have been announced! Six entries with support from the Ministry of Economic Affairs won a total of seven awards.

Tang Wei-cheng
ITRI Materials and Chemical Research Labs
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Three of ITRI’s innovations were named among the 100. There’s a waterproof-breathable material made of recycled textiles, a bioengineered ligament scaffold and an AI-optimized water jet system for producing high-activity rubber powder from waste tires. Other three innovations were developed respectively by the Taiwan Textile Research Institute, the Institute for Information Industry, and the Metal Industries Research & Development Centre. The latter also won a special award in addition.

Paul Heney
R&D World
ITRI does such a great job every year. Very impressive year once again in 2025. I think Taiwan is an important global R&D hub. All the semiconductor manufacturers headquartered there makes it a really critical place for global technology. I think Taiwan is also a great partner. We see so many different companies partnering with Taiwanese institutions.

More than 100 Taiwanese innovations have been named at the R&D 100 Awards over 18 consecutive years, putting Taiwan firmly among the world’s top research institutes and showcasing the country’s R&D prowess.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#R&D100 #technology #innovation #R&D #taiwan #coolinventions

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Fans packed Kaohsiung airport to say goodbye to TWICE

Kaohsiung lit up with K-pop fever this weekend as TWICE wrapped up two explosive nights of performances. On Monday morning, the made an emotional exit through Kaohsiung International Airport. Hundreds of fans packed the terminal before sunrise, hoping to catch a final glimpse of the global girl group. And at the center of this K-pop weekend was Taiwan’s own Tzuyu, who had choked back tears onstage the night before bidding goodbye to Kaohsiung.

The eight K-pop idols arrive at Kaohsiung’s airport, where hundreds of fans are ready to send them off.

They wave at their fans and nod at the crowd as if to say goodbye. Reporters bombarded Taiwanese member Tzuyu with questions.

- How did it feel to perform here again?
- Morning! Were you happy back here?

After a weekend of performances in Kaohsiung, the girl band left Taiwan at 7 on Monday morning.

The night before, they filled Kaohsiung Arena with their biggest hits, driving their fanbase wild.

- I missed you, did you miss me?
- Yes!

Tzuyu said her mom was even more nervous than her.

Tzuyu
TWICE
I’m got nervous because of my mum. Before the show, she performed a little routine in for me and told me that she’d decided to join. She asked me how I would introduce her to ONCE. She’s so funny.

Seeing that Tzuyu was about to burst in tears, her bandmates rushed over to console her. At another point, she soared up above the rest with a new look.

Her TWICE band mates sat on the floor watching Tzuyu rise higher and higher, eliciting laughs from everyone. But the mood changed once she started reading a note.

- Today is our last concert in Kaohsiung. I’m so sad to be leaving, I will miss you all. Oh no, I’m gonna cry!

After the encore, fans thought it was over. But no! They came out once to end the show with a bang.

They performed yet another hit song TT, sending the stadium into frenzy. And if you haven’t had enough just yet, get ready for March next year, as TWICE will be back in Taiwan.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

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