Introduction: A Call for Peace and Livable Wages at the 2024 Autumn Struggle
On Sunday, approximately 200 demonstrators took part in the 2024 Autumn Struggle march in Taipei, calling for peace in Taiwan and better living conditions for workers across the island. Traditionally one of Taiwan’s most significant labor rights protests, the event this year expanded its focus to include pressing social issues, including housing affordability, inflation, and the cost of living.
The march, which started outside the National Central Library with music and speeches, proceeded to Ketagalan Boulevard, in front of the Presidential Office. The gathering was organized by several advocacy groups and featured diverse speakers, ranging from labor unions to environmental and social organizations.
Main Demands: Peace, Livelihood, and Social Reform
The central theme of this year’s Autumn Struggle focused on peace and social reforms that address the deteriorating living standards faced by many in Taiwan. Huang Te-pei, a convenor of the march, highlighted that the global climate of conflict—such as ongoing wars in the Middle East, Ukraine, and Africa—has cast a shadow over Taiwan. He expressed deep concern about the potential risks posed by the Taiwan Strait crisis amid rising tensions between Beijing and Washington.
“We know the ongoing wars in the Middle East, Ukraine, and Africa. On the other hand, the Taiwan Strait is under the shadow of war,” Huang said, noting that Taiwan should not become a pawn in international conflicts.
However, Huang also saw a potential for peacebuilding. “While the current situation may seem grim, it also presents an opportunity for Taiwan to take a stand for peace and assert its sovereignty,” he remarked.
Labor Rights: A Focus on Working Conditions and Livable Wages
Alongside the call for peace, many marchers voiced concerns about Taiwan’s economic inequalities and poor working conditions. Huang, echoing the frustrations of the participants, questioned how Taiwan’s workers can endure rising housing prices and inflation with wages that remain stagnant.
“How can we deal with skyrocketing housing prices, low wages, and long working hours?” he asked, pointing out the inability of many workers to make ends meet despite hard work.
The marchers’ demands included better wages, fair labor conditions, and the implementation of social reforms to improve quality of life. The government was urged to place a greater emphasis on social justice and worker protections.
March Route: Symbolizing Solidarity and Action
The 2024 Autumn Struggle march commenced from the National Central Library, where speakers shared their views on peace and labor rights. Participants then walked toward Taipei Main Station, symbolizing the journey from civic unrest to political change. The march concluded at Ketagalan Boulevard, in front of the Presidential Office, where more speeches and songs were held.
The Autumn Struggle, a march that can trace its roots back to November 1988, has been a powerful platform for advocating labor rights and social equality. The march became an annual event starting in 1993, though it was suspended from 2005 until it resumed in 2009, when organizers broadened their focus beyond labor to also cover social issues affecting all Taiwanese.
Organizers and Coalition of Supporters
This year’s Autumn Struggle was organized by a coalition of groups including the Taiwan International Workers’ Association, the Environmental Protection Alliance in Pingtung County, and the Collective of Sex Workers and Supporters. These organizations united under the common cause of social equity, emphasizing human rights, peace, and the urgent need for economic reform in Taiwan.
The march also sought to create a space for solidarity among various social movements in Taiwan, bringing attention to issues such as housing rights, gender equality, and environmental protection.
Table: Key Issues Addressed by the 2024 Autumn Struggle
| Issue | Details |
|---|---|
| Peace in Taiwan | Call for Taiwan to remain neutral and avoid being involved in international conflicts. |
| Labor Rights | Demand for better wages, working conditions, and worker protections. |
| Economic Reform | Calls for policies addressing housing affordability, inflation, and cost of living. |
| Social Justice | Emphasis on the need for broader social reforms to address economic inequality. |
| Solidarity Among Groups | Diverse groups, including labor unions, environmentalists, and sex worker collectives, uniting for change. |
FAQs: Understanding the Autumn Struggle and Its Demands
Q1: What is the Autumn Struggle?
A1: The Autumn Struggle is an annual labor rights protest in Taiwan that began in 1988. It has evolved over the years to address a broader range of social issues, including economic inequality, housing affordability, and peace.
Q2: What were the main themes of the 2024 Autumn Struggle?
A2: The 2024 march focused on two key issues: peace—especially in the context of the Taiwan Strait—and improving working conditions, such as higher wages and better labor rights for workers.
Q3: Who were the organizers of the 2024 Autumn Struggle?
A3: The 2024 event was organized by the Taiwan International Workers’ Association, the Environmental Protection Alliance in Pingtung, and the Collective of Sex Workers and Supporters, among others.
Q4: How has the Autumn Struggle evolved over the years?
A4: Originally focused solely on labor rights, the Autumn Struggle expanded its focus in 2009 to address broader social justice issues affecting Taiwan’s population.
Q5: What were the demands of the marchers this year?
A5: Marchers called for social reforms to address high housing prices, low wages, and economic inequality. They also demanded peace and Taiwan’s independence from geopolitical conflicts.
Conclusion: A Strong Message for Change
The 2024 Autumn Struggle delivered a powerful message to both the government and the Taiwanese public, urging action on pressing issues like peace, economic inequality, and worker rights. The march serves as a reminder of the ongoing need for social reform in Taiwan, particularly in areas such as housing, inflation, and labor protections. As Taiwan faces external geopolitical challenges and internal economic disparities, movements like the Autumn Struggle play a crucial role in shaping the conversation around social justice and human rights.
