Labor law amendments passed
The Legislative Yuan, Taiwan's parliament, yesterday passed a set of amendments to the Labor Standards Act that were proposed by the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP). This cancels seven national holidays and stipulates "employees are entitled to two days off every week, with one being a mandatory day off and the other a flexible rest day, on which employees can be asked to work and receive overtime payment," reports Taipei Times. The amendments have long been controversial and were passed after hours of negotiation and scuffle between DPP and Kuomintang (KMT) legislators yesterday.
Uber to be fined up to NT$25 million?
Amendments to the Highway Act proposed by DPP legislators passed the first reading in the Legislative Yuan today. The Ministry of Transportation says if the amendments are passed, Uber can be fined as much as NT$25 million (US$784,000). The company's license plates and driving licenses might also be suspended or revoked. In addition, legislators have suggested a 10 percent reward for those who report drivers or vehicles operating under Uber, which means a maximum reward of NT$ 2.5 million.
High school students form alliance to support same-sex marriage
High school students from all over Taiwan have formed an alliance to support same-sex marriage. In a statement on their official Facebook page, the alliance brings up teenagers that have committed suicide over the last few decades due to "discrimination" in the society and schools. The statement reads, "We are the next generation. We want a growing up environment that has equal rights. We do not want to see the same tragedies over and over again."
‘Friend’ of Xi tipped to be US Ambassador in China
President-elect Donald Trump offered the post of U.S. ambassador to China to Iowa Governor Terry Branstad, Bloomberg reports.
Branstad is said to be a longtime friend of Chinese President Xi Jinping
The Republican governor had been tipped as a likely candidate for the role during Trump’s election campaign.
Editor: Edward White
