What is short-time work (reduced working hours)?

An arrangement where employers and employees agree to temporarily reduce working hours. It is not unpaid leave, and wage subsidies are available.

Who is eligible for the wage differential subsidy?

Over 80% of workers under reduced hours qualify. If wages fall below minimum wage, 70% of the gap is subsidized.

How can workers receive training allowances?

Workers attending government-approved training during reduced hours get NT$196/hour, up to NT$16,300/month.

Which industry has the most companies under short-time work?

Manufacturing leads, with metal manufacturing alone accounting for 131 companies.

Which region has the highest number of affected companies?

Tainan City has the most with 48 companies, followed by Taichung (46) and New Taipei (42).

Short-Time Work Affects 2,768 Workers; Over 80% Eligible for Wage Subsidy

Published Jul 16, 2026 12:29 PM ・ Updated Jul 16, 2026 2:39 PM ・ 5 min read ・ Source: CNA (Central News Agency)

Taiwan's Ministry of Labor announced the latest statistics on short-time work arrangements, with 231 companies and 2,768 employees affected—down from the previous period. Over 80% of impacted workers are eligible for wage differential subsidies.

(Taipei, June 16, by reporter Wang Shu-fen) The Ministry of Labor today released the latest statistics on short-time work arrangements agreed upon by employers and employees. A total of 231 companies and 2,768 workers are currently affected, representing a decrease of 14 companies and 129 workers compared to the previous report on June 1. The Ministry stated that over 80% of workers under reduced working hours are eligible to apply for wage differential subsidies.

According to the Ministry's press release, 231 businesses have implemented short-time work due to economic conditions, affecting 2,768 employees—down by 14 companies and 129 workers from the previous announcement.

The Ministry noted that among the companies currently reporting short-time work, 68% (157 companies) are covered under employment stabilization measures, and over 80% (2,221 workers) are eligible for wage differential subsidies. This means that in addition to employers providing wages no lower than the minimum wage, the Ministry of Labor offers subsidies covering 70% of the wage gap, supporting workers' livelihoods.

Industry data provided by the Ministry shows that manufacturing continues to have the highest number of affected companies this period, with 177 companies (2,494 workers). Within manufacturing, metal manufacturing accounts for 131 companies (1,991 workers).

By region, Tainan City has the highest number of affected companies with 48 (562 workers), followed by Taichung City with 46 (489 workers), New Taipei City with 42 (424 workers), Taoyuan City with 24 (301 workers), Changhua County with 19 (253 workers), Kaohsiung City with 18 (268 workers), and Taipei City with 16 (79 workers).

The Ministry also stated that workers under short-time work arrangements in industries not covered by employment stabilization measures may still apply for training allowances. Workers who participate in Ministry-approved training programs during reduced hours can receive NT$196 per hour, up to a maximum of NT$16,300 per month within the wage differential limit.

The Ministry emphasized that short-time work is not unpaid leave. For full-time salaried workers, monthly wages must not fall below the minimum wage of NT$29,500. Employers must continue to enroll workers in labor and health insurance and make labor retirement contributions. (Edited by Long Bo-an) 1150716

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Source: CNA (Central News Agency)
Category: Taiwan

Short-Time Work Affects 2,768 Workers; Over 80% Eligible for Wage Subsidy

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