DOWNSIDE TO SHORTER WORKING HOURS

In a related story,

The Taipei City Department of Labor is also considering cutting maximum working hours for employees with irregular working schedules in 38 industries. But some worry that the well-meaning policy may be used by employers as an excuse to impose de facto pay cuts on the workers.

Because building security is considered "intermittent work" under Article 84-1 of the Labor Standards Act, security personnel often work 12-hour shifts up to 312 hours per month, with only one day off per week.

In light of a spate of death from overwork cases in recent months, the Taipei City Government has decided to slash the maximum working hours per month for 38 industries down to 260 hours.

Mr. Han, who has worked as a security guard for five years, says that he will earn up to 8,000 NT less per month if the measure is passed.

Many workers are in opposition to the amendment, saying that it essentially equates to a pay cut.

Employers in the security, airline, and real estate industries, meanwhile, say that their personnel costs would rise significantly.

One real estate agency says that it respects the government's decision, but hopes that the adjustment can be smaller in scale.

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