Labor Minister Hung Attends International Forum on Taiwan's Labor Policies in the AI Era

According to Central News Agency, Labor Minister Hung Shen-han led a delegation to Geneva in mid-June to attend the International Labour Conference (ILC), where he hosted the first 'International Symposium on Decent Work' on June 11.

Hung emphasized the need for Taiwan to proactively engage in global labor discussions amid the rise of artificial intelligence. He stated that managing the risks and disruptions caused by AI is a critical test for modern governments. While Taiwan benefits from its role as a key exporter of AI-related semiconductors and hardware, and has not yet seen mass unemployment due to automation, future impacts must be anticipated.

He stressed the importance of scenario planning and international cooperation, noting that exchanging experiences with labor authorities and unions worldwide allows Taiwan to learn from others and also contribute its own insights. Taiwan’s recent legislation on delivery worker protections, enacted last year, has become a reference model for other nations grappling with platform economy challenges.

Addressing labor shortages driven by low birth rates and an aging population, Hung highlighted the government’s new population strategy focused on family support. The Ministry of Labor is seeking up to NT$20 billion in public funding and employment insurance funds to expand paid parental leave, flexible working hours, and subsidies for replacement workers during leave periods—aiming to create more family-friendly workplaces.

With strong tech exports boosting national revenue, Hung acknowledged the risk of relative deprivation among traditional industry workers. He revealed that the minimum wage review in the third quarter of this year may raise the rate above NT$30,000, prioritizing support for low-income workers.

The ministry is also planning digital upskilling programs to enhance workers’ productivity and improve their wage negotiation power. Moving forward, the government aims to integrate policies across childbirth, child-rearing, education, and employment to ensure that technological dividends are shared by all citizens.