Taiwan Sees Drop in Furloughed Workers as Major Glass Maker Restarts Production
The number of workers in Taiwan’s furlough programs decreased by 3.6% in the second half of November 2024, following the end of an unpaid leave program by a major glass manufacturer. According to the Ministry of Labor (MOL), the number of furloughed workers dropped by 195 from 5,491 on November 15 to 5,296 by November 30.
This reduction in furloughed employees is primarily attributed to the glass maker’s decision to reinstate around 400 workers who had previously been placed on unpaid leave. The company’s increased order volume prompted the decision to bring workers back to production lines.
Sector Breakdown: The Impact of Furlough Programs Across Taiwan
Despite this positive shift, the manufacturing sector remains the hardest hit, with the highest number of furloughed workers. The MOL data reveals that as of November 30, 4,091 workers in the manufacturing sector were placed on furlough, accounting for 77% of all furloughed employees in Taiwan.
This trend is largely driven by weak global demand affecting the non-tech manufacturing sectors, which are still struggling to recover from economic slowdowns.
Furlough Programs in Other Sectors
While the manufacturing sector continues to experience significant furloughs, the service sector has seen relatively stable conditions. The retail and wholesale sectors reported 441 furloughed workers as of November 30, which is an increase of 16 from November 15. Similarly, the hotel and food & beverage industries experienced a small rise, with 501 furloughed workers, up by seven from the previous reporting period.
The hospitality sector’s challenges are largely linked to the aftermath of the 7.2 magnitude earthquake in Hualien County earlier in the year, followed by multiple typhoons that severely impacted the region’s tourism industry.
Meanwhile, the support services sector, which includes travel agencies, saw a slight decrease in furloughed workers, dropping from 65 to 64.
Government Support and Measures
The MOL continues to monitor the furlough situation and provides updates on the 1st and 16th of every month. Most companies implementing furlough programs are small businesses, employing fewer than 50 people. The government has implemented various support measures to help companies affected by the ongoing challenges, including subsidies for furloughed workers and businesses struggling to maintain operations.
Table: Furloughed Workers by Sector in Taiwan (Nov. 2024)
| Sector | Furloughed Workers (Nov. 30, 2024) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturing | 4,091 |
| Retail and Wholesale | 441 |
| Hotel and Food/Beverage | 501 |
| Support Services (Travel Agencies) | 64 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Why did the number of furloughed workers decrease in Taiwan?
- The decrease is largely due to a glass manufacturer ending its unpaid leave program and reinstating around 400 workers to meet increased orders.
- Which sector has the highest number of furloughed workers in Taiwan?
- The manufacturing sector, particularly non-tech industries, has the highest number of furloughed workers, with over 4,000 employees affected.
- How has the hospitality industry been impacted by furlough programs?
- The hotel and food & beverage industries have experienced modest increases in furloughed workers, largely due to the long-term impacts of the April earthquake and subsequent typhoons in Hualien County.
- What support is the government providing for furloughed workers and businesses?
- The government has introduced subsidies and other forms of support to help businesses cope with the financial burden of furlough programs and to protect workers’ rights during the furlough period.
- How often is furloughed worker data updated by the Ministry of Labor?
- The MOL updates its furloughed worker data twice a month, on the 1st and 16th, and releases reports on the number of workers placed on furloughs registered by companies.
Conclusion: Economic Recovery and the Future of Taiwan’s Workforce
As Taiwan’s economy continues to navigate the post-pandemic period, furlough programs remain a significant part of the workforce landscape. While some sectors are beginning to recover, particularly after companies like the glass maker resumed production, challenges persist, particularly in manufacturing and tourism. The government’s ongoing efforts to support furloughed workers and industries most affected by global economic trends are essential to facilitating a smoother recovery.
For the latest updates on Taiwan’s labor market and furlough programs, visit CialisWeb.tw.
