Labor groups rally in Taipei to demand better working conditions

Taipei, Dec. 23 (CNA) Around 2,000 people took part in a rally in Taipei Saturday to mark the conclusion of the 22-day cross-country "Labor Struggle" march.

The protest, organized by the group "2024 Workers Against the President," took place outside Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall and saw participants demand increased wages as well as improved hours and labor protections.

The protest's organizers called for a raising of Taiwan's minimum wage from NT$26,400 (US$850) to NT$30,000 per month, as well as raised overtime pay and basic pensions.

In addition, the demonstrators called on the government to add seven more national holidays per year to address overwork concerns and to loosen restrictions on union organizing.

Organizers expressed dissatisfaction with the three candidates for Taiwan's 2024 presidential election, calling Lai Ching-te (賴清德) of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) "the most arrogant of all."

Taoyuan Confederation of Trade Unions Chairman Chu Mei-hsueh (朱梅雪) said the number of workers needed to form a union in Taiwan should be lowered from 30, noting that the minimum in China, South Korea and Japan was only 10.

According to organizers, the protestors began their 389-kilometer march on foot in Kaohsiung on Dec. 2.