Union Demands Wage Hike; Chunghwa Telecom Urges Rational Negotiation

Central News Agency (Taipei) May 22. In response to the labor union's petition to the Ministry of Transportation today demanding wage hikes and an extension of the mandatory retirement age, Chunghwa Telecom stated that it has not only provided consecutive raises over the past five years but has also implemented a fixed salary increase of NT$2,400 per person and issued one-time bonuses this year. The company insisted that demanding further raises this year deviates from the norms of rational negotiation and is detrimental to the company's sustainable operation. The union presented four demands, including extending the retirement age and increasing employer contributions to the labor pension fund. Chunghwa Telecom issued five statements highlighting its friendly workplace benefits, including childcare leave and various allowances. Regarding the pension contribution, the company noted that through its stock trust system, employees enjoy an effective contribution rate of 9.75%, significantly higher than the statutory 6%. The company emphasized that it remains committed to maintaining public services and will not abandon communication opportunities with the union.