TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The DPP legislative caucus on Monday criticized a proposal by KMT Legislator Yeh Yuan-chih (葉元之) that would relax restrictions on post-retirement employment for former civil servants, arguing it could undermine past pension reforms.
Yeh proposed removing limits on the types of jobs retired civil servants may take after leaving government service, as well as eliminating income caps that can affect pension eligibility, per ETtoday. He said the proposal is intended to encourage experienced workers to continue contributing to society.
DPP Legislative Caucus Secretary-General Chuang Jui-hsiung (莊瑞雄) criticized the proposal, saying the existing restrictions were designed to prevent retirees from receiving government pensions while also holding high-paying positions funded by the public sector. He said the changes could lead to retired civil servants being rehired into well-compensated government positions while continuing to collect pension benefits.
Responding to the criticism, Yeh said his proposal was aimed at addressing labor shortages in positions such as campus security personnel and substitute teachers, per Liberty Times. He argued that lawmakers should be able to discuss whether current income limits for pension recipients remain appropriate.
Yeh added that he did not expect the DPP to abuse the proposed system.
DPP Legislator Wu Szu-yao (吳思瑤) also criticized the proposal, arguing that it could reduce promotion opportunities for younger workers, per NOWNews. She said retired officials could potentially leverage their experience and professional networks to secure well-paid government positions after retirement.
A government source echoed those concerns, saying restrictions on pension payments for retirees who return to public-sector employment help control government spending, per Liberty Times. The source cautioned against altering the current system before broader public and political consensus is reached.
