Military, Civil Servant, and Educator Pension Cuts Not Enough! Lee Lai-hsi Demands: 'Two More Payments to Be Recovered' – 6% Income Lost Over 4 Years

Public and educator pensions officially stopped their annual reduction as of August 1, based on a re-review notice from the Ministry of Civil Service, confirming that retired public servants' pension amounts will no longer shrink year by year. Lee Lai-hsi, former chairman of the National Association of Public Employees, acknowledged that opposition party support and years of effort by retired colleagues have temporarily stabilized pension amounts. However, he emphasized that many crucial rights and benefits still require collective advocacy.

Lee pointed out that the 'lifeline funds' reduced in 2024 (Year 113) and 2025 (Year 114) have not yet been recovered. Although re-review and appeal procedures are ongoing, he assessed the overall outlook as pessimistic and suggested that fundamental resolution may require political intervention.

How will the cumulative 6% income loss over four years be compensated? Will the inflation-adjusted pension amount for next year be clearly defined?

Lee further explained that since the 2019 (Year 108) pension reform, annual income has been reduced by 1.5% each year. Over four years, this has resulted in a cumulative 6% shortfall in income, which has still not been restored to retirees. Additionally, in response to recent inflationary pressures, the government has not yet clarified the exact amount by which pensions will be adjusted next year to reflect rising living costs. These two issues are core concerns for retired public servants and educators, requiring concrete responses and safeguarding mechanisms from the competent authorities.

Why insist on restoring lost income? What reasonable expectations do retirees have?

Lee emphasized that elderly individuals' lifestyles typically involve increasing dependency on care and higher living expenses as they age. The policy of annually reducing income clearly contradicts basic human needs. While the one-time adjustment made during the 2019 reform is now in the past, he insisted that the subsequent annual reductions must be halted and reversed. He urged the government: 'Return to us the legally entitled and reasonable income we deserve—that is all.' He reiterated that this demand has remained unchanged, calling for the system to genuinely protect retirees' basic livelihood and statutory rights.