Workers told to pay NT$6,000 and use annual leave for company trip

2026-10-20

Many workers appreciate it when their companies organize trips for staff to mingle away from the workplace. But it’s anything but fun when the outing comes with conditions. One social media user says that their company organized a two-day trip to Hualien that was riddled with problems. First, the itinerary was nothing to write home about, but more importantly, each employee had to pay NT$6,000 out of pocket to attend. Those who didn’t attend were forced to take annual leave anyway, and those who had used up their PTO had to get unpaid time off. It sounds unfair, but is it legal? Let’s hear more.

Member of public
Thinks company should pay
- I think company trips should be paid for by the company.

Member of public
Doesn’t agree with conditions
- Two days one night in Hualien.
- Is it compulsory?
- If you don’t, you still have to request leave.
- That’s a little unreasonable.

Voice of Wang Chin-jung
Ministry of Labor
Article 38 of the Labor Standards Act states that the dates of annual leave are to be arranged by the employee. Employers cannot unilaterally schedule annual leave or force employees to take leave. If an employer violates these regulations, employees can file a complaint with their local city or county labor affairs bureau, or call the Ministry of Labor’s 1955 hotline to protect their rights. If the violation is confirmed, the employer can face a fine of up to NT$1 million.

Netizens criticized the lousy itinerary. The activities on Day 1 included: looking at the sea, going to a night market and sleeping at a hotel in the city. Day 2 was even more underwhelming, with the return home scheduled for after lunch. Altogether, the price for accommodation, transport and tickets to the sights was already close to NT$6,000 meaning savings were pretty low anyway. No wonder netizens said the company should at least foot the bill.

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

#trip #hualien #work #holiday #travel

兩天一夜花蓮員旅自費6千不去還扣特休網轟:變相割韭菜

2026-10-20

聽到員工旅遊，是不是覺得好開心？但就有網友抱怨，公司舉辦花蓮兩天一夜員工旅遊，不只行程普通，還要自費6000元、不去更被逼請特休，因為公司不開門！如果特休不夠用，還要請事假扣薪水，不少民眾聽到，都認為不太合理，而勞動部也說，這樣已經違法。

[[民眾]]
- 覺得員工旅遊就是要公司出錢啊

[[民眾]]
- 花蓮兩天一夜
- 一定要去嗎
- 不去的話要用自己的特休請假
- 我覺得有點不太合理

[[聲源:勞動部調平司副司長王金蓉]]
“依勞基法第38條規定，特別休假之日期由勞工排定，雇主不得逕自排定，或強迫勞工請假，雇主如有違反規定，勞工可就近向當地縣市政府勞工局，或勞動部1955專線提出申訴，以維權益，經查證屬實，最高可處100萬元罰鍰”

細看網友PO出的行程，第一天看海、逛夜市、住市區飯店，第二天吃完午飯就搭車回家，行程很普通，交通費、住宿及景點門票費用加起來，稍微節省一點、6000元可能還有找，也難怪有網友懷疑，公司應該有抽成吧！

更多新聞內容，請鎖定：
民視台灣台（152頻道）週一至週五晚上9:30
民視新聞台（53頻道）週二至週六凌晨1:00

Miaoli researchers breed disease-resistant honeybees

2026-10-20

New sail-themed street art puzzles Lukang residents

A strange sight appeared recently over the streets of Lukang in Changhua County. Bright yellow triangles were strung up over Xinsheng Street, sparking some wild interpretations online. Some said they look like a row of shark fins drying in the sun, while others said they look like Doritos. The township office stepped in to clarify, saying they’re meant to symbolize “a thousand sails entering the port” from Lukang’s glory days. It’s just that the installation went viral before it was finished.

Rows of triangular yellow objects gently sway in the breeze, drawing attention from afar. As onlookers became more curious, people online started guessing what they could possibly be.

Lukang resident
Baffled by installation
I think they look like shark fins. It adds to the whole seafaring vibe here in Lukang.

Lukang resident
Baffled by installation
Shark fins? A bit like fish fins maybe.

Lukang resident
Baffled by installation
It’s a bit like eating noodles upside-down. It has that upside-down shape.

Imaginations are running wild as the locals bring in a touch of humor. One woman even said it looks like how people from Lukang eat noodle paste tipped out of a plastic bag. Others thought the curved shape and color make them look like shark fins or that famous triangular tortilla chip.

Lukang resident
Baffled by installation
It seems to me like the sail on a sailboat.

Lukang resident
Baffled by installation
Out-of-towners will think this is a cool spot, good for taking pictures.

Cheng Wei-chia
Lukang construction section chief
People have had so many creative interpretations of the design. It’s actually been pretty fun to see.

So how did this whole row of yellow triangles appear out of nowhere over a street in Lukang? It turns out they’re part of the township office’s light installation project. Each triangle is decorated with wave, sail, and seagull motifs.

Cheng Wei-chia
Lukang construction section chief
The initial design was based on a sailboat. We wanted to harken back to Lukang’s early days until now with “a thousand sails entering the port,” as the saying goes.

Since Lukang has historically been a thriving port town, the office used sail shapes to symbolize its glory days when the harbor was bustling with traffic. Crews are currently rushing to finish the installation to complete the scene. They never imagined it would go viral before it was even done!

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

#Lukang #Changhua #streetart #installation #sailboats #porttown #creative #viral

2026-10-20

Aide tacks on campaign sticker on funeral guestbook

There’s a time and a place for campaigning, and a funeral service, is not it. With the local elections fast approaching, politicians are scrambling for exposure sometimes forget about good etiquette. A social media user whose grandmother recently passed away says that several candidates showed up to the funeral parlor to pay their respects. But one of them crossed the line. A campaign member of Cheng Chun-hung, who is running to represent Zhubei City, stuck a campaign sticker on the guestbook. Most unfortunately, his campaign slogan is “Please save us!” That infuriated her grieving grandchild, who scathingly slammed Cheng, saying their grandma couldn’t be saved anymore. Let’s hear more.

Member of public
Finds sticker inappropriate
It’s disrespectful to the grieving family. They’re holding a funeral, everyone is mourning, and you go and stick a campaign sticker saying “Please save us”? That’s really inappropriate.

Member of public
Finds sticker inappropriate
It’s rude. Someone passed away, and you still put on the sticker saying “please save us.” That’s not nice.

Cheng Chun-hung
Zhubei candidate (KMT)
My assistant went to pay respects on my behalf, but didn’t have enough business cards. They had one of my campaign stickers on hand, so they put that on instead. It’s their first time helping with my campaign, and they weren’t familiar with the etiquette. It’s my responsibility to make sure my assistant understands these rules. I’d like to apologize to everyone.

Cheng Chun-hung posted a video to Facebook bowing to apologize for the sticker incident. But surprisingly, this isn’t the first time a candidate has been accused of campaigning at a funeral. Previously, an aide to KMT Kaohsiung mayoral candidate Ko Chih-en was caught handing out business cards at a funeral, with a political donation account on the back. The move drew criticism, with some accusing the campaign team of being so money-hungry that they forgot about decorum.

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

#politics #bizarre #funeral #guestbook #campaign

2026-10-20

Puma Shen madness spreads as other cities claim him for mayor

The O’Shen wave is taking over Taiwan. Singer and Golden Melody Award winner, Hsieh Ming-yu was performing on stage in Tainan when he suddenly called out, “Our mayor…” and didn’t expect to hear “Puma Shen,” shouted back from the audience. This urged the singer to respond and say, “We are in Tainan, so it’s Chen Ting-fei.” It seems Shen’s popularity has surpassed the borders of Taipei, spreading across all DPP campaigns. Some locals even printed out and distributed banners with Shen’s designs, drawing long queues.

Golden Melody Award winner, Hsieh Ming-yu was performing on stage when he suddenly blurted out something.

- Our mayor
- Puma Shen
- It’s Chen Ting-fei, this is Tainan.

Puma Shen is running for Taipei Mayor, but it seems that wherever you go, the phrase that comes after the chant, “Our mayor…,” is always followed by “Puma Shen!”

Hsieh Ming-yu
Golden Melody Award winner
I just wanted to test it out, to see if the O’Shen movement really is spreading, when I said, “Our mayor…” I was certain that I would say “Chen Ting-fei,” but I didn’t think that the audience below would in unison say, “Puma Shen.”

At first, the singer simply wanted to test out the power of the O’Shen wave, he didn’t realize that locals would join in and urge him to clarify. In fact, this clip has gone viral and even caught the attention of Chen Ting-fei herself, who replied saying, “This is Tainan,” with a question mark.

Chen Ting-fei
Tainan Mayoral Candidate (DPP)
While the O’Shen wave battles it out at sea, I, Chen Ting-fei, am fei-lying into the sky to battle it out up in the air. Land and sea unite.

Not only are the slogans catchy, but the O’Shen ribbons have become popular merch in Taiwan. Some stores in Tainan even printed their own and announced them online, they didn’t expect dozens of people to be eager to line up.

- I’ll tie this on my backpack, I’ve wanted this for so long!

- Vote for Shen to save Chiang.

- We will choose Chen Ting-fei, but I want to support Puma Shen

Taipei’s mayoral candidates have driven locals in the South into frenzy, as other candidates ride the bandwagon for popularity.

Hung Wei-chu
Head of marketing agency
I didn’t think today would be like this, we didn’t print enough. Those who came to pick them up can follow us on Instagram to support us.

The DPP caucus says the O’Shen Wave is lifting the support ratings for DPP candidates islandwide by 6%. The party says it’s hopeful for a turnaround in close races such as Keelung and Taichung. Meanwhile, races in Taitung, Taoyuan, and Hsinchu are heating up. With just a month left to elections, some officials discouraged Shen from travelling across Taiwan and instead urge candidates from other counties and cities to come to Taipei creating a unique crossover.

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

#沈伯洋 #OshenWave #洋流 #OshenWave #PumaShen #Tainan

2026-10-20

Old woman in wheelchair turns mountain road into racetrack

Some Keelung locals captured photos of a rather shocking sight n Zhonghe Road: an elderly woman racing down the mountain road on an electric wheelchair. The woman zigzagged through the middle of the road and even crossed over the double yellow lines. Not only was the road going downhill but it also had incredibly sharp turns, but this old lady expertly steered through it all without slowing down causing the vehicles around her to recoil in fear.

As vehicles drove along a mountain road, an electric wheelchair carrying an elderly woman suddenly appears. She drives unsteadily in the middle of the road and even on the double yellow lines.

This electric wheelchair navigated oncoming cars and motorcycles with ease and grace, but it caused traffic behind it to become cautious and fearful. Not only is this particular stretch of the road going downhill, it also has sharp turns. The old woman fearlessly drove without slowing down which made cars behind her slow down fearing a collision.

Member of public
Wary of older drivers
So dangerous. The speed of older drivers is unpredictable, sometimes fast, sometimes slow. If there are cars near them, they get nervous and don’t see.

Member of public
Disproves the driver
Is she not paying attention to cars behind her? She is just driving her own way, sometimes speeding up and crossing the road.

Although approved medical electric wheelchair and mobility scooters can be used on roads with relevant regulations, users are considered as pedestrians and must still abide by pedestrian traffic rules. They cannot drive in the middle of the lane and compete with cars and scooters for road space.

Lin Yen-hua
Chief of Fourth Precinct, Keelung City Police Bureau
Users of electric wheelchairs still must comply with relevant laws and regulations. They must use appropriate passage spaces according to regulations and not drive illegally on the road, which affects the safety of others on the road.

Although they can move fast, electric wheelchairs are not racecars and roads are not racetracks. According to regulations, violating the rules by riding an electric wheelchair will result in a fine of NT$500. This serves as a reminder to those who ride electric wheelchairs, that convenience must never come secondary to safety. Recklessly accelerating could endanger yourself and others on the road.

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

#racing #f1 #seniorcitizen #olddriver #keelung #taiwan

2026-10-20

TaiwanICDF campus youth ambassadors return home

Taiwan is turning to its younger generation to help promote public diplomacy. Six university students selected as campus ambassadors by TaiwanICDF traveled to diplomatic allies Eswatini in Africa and St. Lucia in the Caribbean to witness Taiwan’s overseas aid efforts firsthand. Armed with cameras, they documented how international cooperation is making a difference in local communities, learning that aid is not just about giving, but creating a virtuous circle.

- Fish ponds have evolved into aquaculture farms. We’ve seen first-hand how locals have gradually introduced technology into their daily lives.

From aquaculture farms, fisheries, and women’s entrepreneurship in Eswatini…

- Some protect the health of the community, while others apply knowledge into their daily lives.

…to chronic disease prevention and digital technology training in St. Lucia. Six Taiwanese students became Campus Youth Ambassadors at two of Taiwan’s diplomatic allies. Now back in Taiwan, they shared their experiences on the ground.

Tsai Wan-yin
Eswatini Campus Youth Ambassador
The point of international cooperation is not just about providing assistance. It’s about the virtuous circle that is created when they pick up new skills.

Fan Chiang Tzu-chi
Eswatini Campus Youth Ambassador
I had no idea what pap was, but when we were there we saw it was a kind of corn porridge. We followed the local custom and ate with our hands.

These young ambassadors have evolved into newer selves, and their families all noticed. Especially Fan Chiang Tzu-chi’s mother, who recorded a video that brought her daughter to tears. The heads of the groups abroad even made a surprise conference call with the participants.

Yu Ting-hsuan
St. Lucia Campus Youth Ambassador
Real diplomacy and real exchanges don’t just happen in formal settings. Chatting and hanging out with locals is a form of international exchange in itself. Sometimes, you have to gather courage and step out of your comfort zone, try new things. The world is a bigger place than you might think.

Chen Ming-chi
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs
The more important thing is working together with our partners to solve problems and cultivate local talents, so that the solutions are long lasting. As we say in our ministry, “Taiwan can help. Our partners can lead.”

Stephen Lee
TaiwanICDF Deputy Secretary General
Besides the 30th-anniversary events, we hope that when you return to your schools, you can share with everyone about the broader impact of Taiwan’s international cooperation efforts overseas.

Young people are using the power of storytelling to bring Taiwan’s overseas aid achievements into the public spotlight. Youth representatives from Taiwan’s diplomatic allies, who are set to visit Taiwan soon, also attended to show their support, ushering in a new chapter for public diplomacy.

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

#icdf #diplomacy #taiwan #eswatini #stlucia

2026-10-20

Poll puts Puma Shen in lead for Taipei 17 points ahead of Chiang

DPP Candidate Puma Shen has overtaken his KMT opponent by a mindboggling 17 percentage points the latest poll by the Taipei Trust in Democracy Association. The poll puts support rating for Shen at 50.3%, in contrast with 33.3% for Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an. In comparison with the previous poll by the association, Shen’s support shot up by 9.8 points, while Chiang’s crumbled by 8.4 points. Let’s hear more.

Puma Shen
Taipei Mayoral Candidate (DPP)
The poll may say one thing, but victory depends on the ballots, on how everyone actually votes on Nov. 28. There’s still 39 days to go until Election Day, so public opinion may still rise and fall. We take very seriously whether our policies resonate with the public. That’s the most important thing for us.

Chiang Wan-an
Taipei Mayor
I would like to call on all Taipei citizens who’ve seen all we’ve achieved over the past four years, to show their support for our administration by coming out to vote on Nov. 28.

Chuang Jui-hsiung
DPP Caucus
Everything that Puma has achieved to this day is really impressive already, and we have very high expectations for him. His approach of engaging with citizens through dialogue will only win more and more people over with time.

Tai Li-an
Designed poll
The polls show an extremely strong response. One of the factors is the O’Shen wave that’s sweeping over Taipei, with huge support from pan-green voters.

Analysts say the skyrocketing popularity of Shen in recent weeks may have encouraged more responders to express their support for the DPP candidate. On the other hand, some others who perhaps supported Chiang preferred to keep quiet. Based on the current figures the Taipei Trust in Democracy Association estimates that Shen will walk away with 49.2% to 52.9% of the vote on Election Day, while Chiang could get between 46.9% and 49.9% of vote. With an overlap of just 0.7 percentage points, the margin between the two could be as wide as 6 percentage points.

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

#poll #taipei #election #pumashen #chiangwanan #oshenwave

2026-10-20

Taoyuan beef noodle shop criticized for giving firefighters free meals

A beef noodle restaurant in Taichung has offered free meals to firefighters since a nearby factory fire in 2015 claimed the lives of six of their colleagues. The shop has given away hundreds of meals over the past decade. But one customer recently criticized the owner for favoring a particular profession. The comment upset the owner, who said that firefighters save lives and it’s their choice to support them.

A waiter serves a hot bowl of beef noodle soup, made fresh to order. It has large chunks of beef, as well as an egg, vegetables, and plenty of spring onion.

This beef noodle restaurant in Taichung’s West District is highly rated, but one review recently made the owner furious. He reposted the comment, saying: “Come read this garbage and see what kind of people society is raising.” The review said: “If there are discounts for certain professions, most people won’t want to buy it.” The owner fired back, saying: “This is my choice. Firefighters risk their lives to save you in an emergency. Offering them free meals is my business, and none of yours.” Others commented that people these days even get criticized for doing good deeds, while another said the person was just bitter.

Beef noodle restaurant owner
Firefighter supporter
I was upset when I saw the comment, more upset than seeing a one-star review. The deal for firefighters started after the 2015 fire in Xinwu District which claimed the lives of six young firefighters. I was a full-time dad caring for my one-year-old daughter then, so seeing that news made me very sad.

The owner promised to support firefighters after the six died saving lives in a 2015 fire. He can’t afford to donate a fire truck, but he could treat them to a bowl of noodles every once in a while.

Beef noodle restaurant owner
Firefighter supporter
Firefighters only need to show their badge, and I will treat them to a bowl of noodles. Sometimes the whole team comes.

Chou Chin-cheng
Taichung firefighter
Firefighters who have visited the restaurant with their IDs shared their experiences with their colleagues and gave the restaurant very positive feedback.

Firefighters thanked the restaurant for offering them free noodles. The owner has given away countless meals over the past 11 years. Despite the recent criticism, he said he would continue treating them as long as the restaurant remains open, so they know people appreciate their sacrifice.

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

#beefnoodles #Taoyuan #restaurant #firefighter #fire #deal #altruism #giveback

2026-10-20

Workers told to pay NT$6,000 and use annual leave for company trip