Worried About Reduced Work Hours? Labor Ministry Extends 'Employment Stability Measures' to October 31, Up to NT$11,500 Monthly Subsidy

Amid global economic shifts, certain manufacturing sectors in Taiwan are experiencing order volatility, leading to reduced work hours (furloughs) that directly impact workers' household incomes. To alleviate income loss for affected employees, the Ministry of Labor has announced the extension of its 'Employment Stability Measures' through October 31, 2026. Eligible workers can receive monthly wage differential subsidies of up to NT$11,500.

Originally scheduled to end on July 31, 2026, the program has been extended following an assessment of current industrial conditions. Eligible individuals are employees in designated industries who have mutually agreed with their employers to implement reduced work hours for at least 30 consecutive days and have registered this status with local labor authorities.

The nine industries currently covered by the subsidy include key manufacturing sectors: Food and Feed Manufacturing, Textile Industry, Rubber Product Manufacturing, Plastic Product Manufacturing, Metal Product Manufacturing, Electrical Equipment and Components Manufacturing, Machinery Equipment Manufacturing, Automobile and Parts Manufacturing, and Other Transportation Equipment and Parts Manufacturing.

Ms. Ko Hsiu-yen, Director of the Yunlin-Chiayi-Tainan Branch of the Ministry of Labor, explained that qualified workers may apply for subsidies based on the difference between their pre- and post-furlough insured salaries, with a maximum monthly subsidy of NT$11,500. Applications can be submitted through multiple channels: either by the worker individually or by the employer on behalf of employees, via paper submission or online through the dedicated portal on 'Taiwan Job Bank'.

Director Ko emphasized that the application window opens the day after completing 30 consecutive days of reduced work hours and remains open for 90 days. For example, if reduced work hours occurred from June 1 to June 30, the final application deadline would be September 30. Applications submitted after this date will be deemed as waived, so eligible workers are urged to monitor deadlines carefully.

In addition to direct wage differential subsidies, the Ministry is also promoting the 'Recharge Training Program for Furloughed Workers', encouraging employees to participate in vocational training during reduced work periods to upgrade their skills. Workers in the nine designated industries may simultaneously receive wage subsidies and attend training courses. Workers from non-designated industries who are on reduced hours may not qualify for the Employment Stability Subsidy but can still enroll in training and apply for a monthly training allowance of up to NT$16,300 based on their wage differential.

Furthermore, for full-time workers whose pre-furlough monthly labor insurance salary falls between NT$29,500 and NT$31,800, the program includes a special provision due to their relatively small wage gap. After participating in training, they may still receive a monthly training allowance of up to NT$2,940, supporting grassroots workers in maintaining livelihood stability while upgrading professional skills during transitional periods.

Workers or employers with questions about application procedures, eligibility, or training content may contact official support channels:

Free Customer Service Hotline: Call 0800-777-888 for personalized assistance. Yunlin-Chiayi-Tainan Branch Hotline: Dial 06-6985945 and ask to be transferred to extension 1627 or 1645 for 'Employment Stability Measures', or extension 1708 for the 'Recharge Program'.