Typhoon Day Off: 6 Key Q&As to Understand the Criteria! Check All Taiwan Work and School Suspension Info at One Click

As Typhoon Bavi approaches, in addition to concerns about strong winds and heavy rains causing disasters, students and working professionals are most concerned about whether a typhoon day off will be declared. According to the 'Regulations on Suspension of Work and Classes Due to Natural Disasters,' local governments may announce work and class suspensions if weather forecasts or actual observations indicate wind and rain reaching certain thresholds.

However, who decides on typhoon leave? How are suspension times calculated? What rules apply to salaries and attendance rights, which are of greatest concern to employees?

Who Decides on Work and School Suspensions?

The authority to decide on work and class suspensions lies primarily with the heads of local governments—county and city mayors. Due to differences in terrain, transportation, or disaster conditions within a single county, local governments may delegate authority to township, town, or city mayors to determine suspensions based on local conditions. Additionally, heads of public agencies or schools may independently decide to suspend operations if they assess safety risks at their locations. However, such independent decisions must be immediately reported to the county government and higher authorities.

What Are the Wind and Rain Criteria for Suspension?

Suspensions are primarily determined by two criteria: wind speed and rainfall.

For wind, if meteorological forecasts indicate that the typhoon's wind radius will pass through a specific area within the next 4 hours, with average winds reaching or exceeding level 7, or gusts reaching or exceeding level 10, this may serve as a basis for suspension.

For rainfall, forecasts or actual observations must meet the rainfall reference standards set by the relevant authorities. However, reaching the rainfall threshold alone does not guarantee suspension—it must already have caused damage or pose a clear risk of disaster.

How Are Suspension Times Calculated?

The start and end times of suspensions vary depending on when the announcement is made and the scope declared.

- If announced by 10 PM the previous day for a full-day suspension: from 00:00 to 24:00 the next day. - If only morning suspension is announced: from 00:00 to the end of morning classes/work. - If announced by 4:30 AM on the same day for a full-day suspension: from 8:00 AM to 24:00. - If morning suspension is announced: from 8:00 AM to the end of morning classes/work. - For afternoon suspension: usually from 1:30 PM (standard afternoon start time) to 24:00. - For evening suspension: from 6:00 PM to 24:00.

Does Suspension in a Commute Route Qualify for Leave?

Yes. If the residence, commute route, or workplace/school location has a suspension in effect, the individual may stop working or attending classes, even if only one of these areas is suspended.

Is Salary Paid During Typhoon Leave?

The issue of salary during typhoon leave is of greatest concern to employees. Currently, typhoon leave is not a statutorily mandated paid leave under the Labor Standards Act. In other words, as leave due to force majeure such as natural disasters, employers are not legally required to pay wages.

However, if employees do not report to work due to safety concerns, employers must not treat it as absenteeism or tardiness, nor force employees to use personal leave or other leave types. Employers cannot deduct full attendance bonuses, terminate employment, or impose other adverse actions. While wage payment is not legally mandated, the Ministry of Labor recommends that employers refrain from deducting wages.

Additionally, if employers require employees to work during natural disasters, they must provide commuting assistance. If the usual commuting method is disrupted and taxi use is necessary, the employer should cover the related costs.

Furthermore, under the 2026 revised regulations, if senior high schools or lower suspend classes, public servants and teachers with children or grandchildren (with disabilities or attending junior high or below) who require care may be granted suspension by their agency or school. If both spouses or direct relatives are public employees, only one may take leave to care for the same child or grandchild.

Where to Check Work and School Suspension Information?

In addition to news updates, the public can verify suspension information through official channels. It is recommended to check the 'Suspension of Work and Classes' section on the Executive Yuan's Personnel Administration Bureau website for the latest announcements from all counties and cities.