In an effort to tackle low wages, Taiwan’s Economic Ministry recently held discussions with four state-owned enterprises—CPC Corporation, Taipower, Taiwan Sugar, and Taiwan Water Corporation—proposing salary adjustments for frontline workers.
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Frontline workers in Taiwan’s state-owned enterprises could be looking forward to a pay rise in 2025. Alongside the government’s planned 3% pay raise for public sector employees including those in education and military roles next year, employees for CPC Corporation, Taiwan Power Company, Taiwan Sugar Corporation, and Taiwan Water Corporation could also be getting an increase.
Economic Minister J.W. Kuo (郭智輝) says salaries for entry-level workers responsible for tasks like maintenance and repairs are expected to rise from around NT$32,000 (US$984) to NT$36,000 (US$1,107) per month, with an additional NT$5,000 (US$153) available through a certification bonus program. Similarly, entry-level administrative staff could see salaries rise from NT$45,000 (US$1,384) to NT$50,000 (US$1,538) with certifications in emerging technologies like AI.
The increases aim to address declining application rates for state-owned enterprises which often struggle to compete with higher-paying private sector jobs, such as those in the semiconductor industry.
Yang Tsung-pin (楊宗斌), spokesperson for Yes123 Job Bank, says competitive salaries are essential for attracting and retaining talent. He points out that if state-owned enterprises offer lower starting salaries than private companies, their recruitment rates suffer, especially for frontline workers.
The ministry plans to implement the first phase of salary increases in early 2025. If successful, this move could help retain talent and reestablish state-owned enterprises as desirable employers.