Roy Ngerng on the Minimum Wage
The News Lens FeatureRoy Ngerng, a researcher and fair wage advocate, has written extensively on Taiwan's minimum wage. His work amounts to a comprehensive case for raising the minimum wage, which he shows to be too low for Taiwan's cost of living, too low by international standards, and increasing at a rate too slow to alleviate these problems. We are honored to collect and present his work here.
Table of contents
Raising the Minimum Wage Does Not Increase Unemployment
It makes sense for Taiwan’s businesses to support wage increases. Here’s why.
Taiwan’s Minimum Wage Is Not Adequate for Its Cost of Living
Taiwan’s low minimum wage has contributed to half of workers earning less than what they need to have a basic standard of living.
Lithuania’s Minimum Wage Is More Adequate for Its Cost of Living Than Taiwan’s
Though lower in nominal terms, Lithuania’s minimum wage is more adequate for its cost of living than Taiwan’s, and catching up fast.
Taiwan’s Minimum Wage is One of the Lowest In Its League
Taiwan is a wealthy country. Its recently instituted minimum wage hike does not compare favorably with its international counterparts.
Minimum Wage Increases Are Not Just About Low-Income Workers. Here’s Why.
The minimum wage in Taiwan matters to workers across all wage levels.
A Higher Minimum Wage Won’t Lead To Higher Unemployment in Taiwan
Despite what you may hear from business interest lobbyists, the historical data shows no clear correlation between a growing minimum wage and a higher unemployment rate.
NT$25,250 Is Still Not Enough for a Basic Standard of Living in Taiwan
President Tsai increased the minimum wage by a larger percentage in six years than her predecessors in their full eight-year terms, but this is not good enough.
Taiwan’s Minimum Wage Is Not Catching Up With Consumer Prices
Taiwan’s workers need to be aware that it is not the increases in wages that are causing prices to rise. Businesses are increasing prices whether wages increase.
Business Groups Are Campaigning Against Taiwan’s Minimum Wage Increase. Don’t Let Them Succeed.
There’s been a campaign waged by business groups against a minimum wage hike in Taiwan. Don’t fall for what they’re saying.
10 Misconceptions About Raising the Minimum Wage in Taiwan
Don’t believe the fearmongers. A low minimum wage is a political choice, not an economic necessity.