TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — New Taipei City Government will spend NT$320 million (US$10.2 million) next year to help schools with a janitors shortage, CNA reported Thursday.

New Taipei's education department noted the Cabinet has banned schools from hiring new janitors since 2002 to reduce staff numbers. The city approved the hire of 999 janitors this year but has filled only 255 positions, leaving 744 janitorial vacancies.

City education department official Li Meng-hsuan (李孟璇) said schools used to receive NT$312,000 (US$9,900) for each vacancy to outsource repairs and campus upkeep. However, Li noted that rising wages and labor costs have made it hard for schools to find janitors under the old subsidy.

Starting in 2026, Li said the city will raise its subsidy to NT$502,000 (US$15,900) per vacancy at schools with one janitor slot and NT$400,000 (US$12,700) at schools with two or more slots. She said the new budget should cover all 744 openings to keep campuses running smoothly.

Chang Ming-hsien (張明賢), president of the New Taipei City Association of  Elementary and Middle School Principals, said rising wages and labor-rights awareness have made the old subsidy outdated. Chang said increased funding should attract better contractors and ease school workloads.