TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Childcare Policy Alliance on Wednesday urged the government to let parents work shorter hours without a cut in pay.
CNA reported that the group urged the Cabinet and lawmakers to amend the Gender Equality in Employment Act to support working parents. It said flexible parental leave helps in emergencies but does not solve parents’ daily lack of time with their children.
The alliance cited a 2022 government survey showing 37% of parents with young children had faced parenting difficulties. It said the most common problem was not having enough time to spend with their children, per Economic Daily News.
Under current rules, some parents can reduce their workday by one hour, but their pay may be cut. The alliance said the rule should apply to more workers, cover parents with children up to age 6, and include government subsidies so wages are not reduced.
The group also called for substitute worker allowances. It said the government should support employers and workers who cover the duties of parents using shorter work hours, per UDN.
The alliance cited Chunghwa Telecom as an example, saying the company already gives workers with children under 6 shorter hours without cutting pay or affecting performance reviews. It said the policy has improved worker happiness, engagement, and retention.
The group said shorter hours and better workplace support would help Taiwan’s families and workforce. It urged the government to act quickly and make work-family balance a stronger part of labor policy, Rti reported.
