(FWA 2025/11/11)As Typhoon Fung-wong approaches, some city and county governments have announced work and class cancellations for the 11th. The Ministry of Labor (MOL) reminds the public that the “Guidelines for Worker Attendance Management and Wage Payment at Business Entities During Natural Disasters” clearly state that when a natural disaster occurs, workers should not go to work as a principle to protect their safety. If it is necessary for workers to be present, employers must provide commuting assistance. If workers have difficulty commuting via their usual methods (e.g., TRA, MRT, bus) and need to take a taxi, the employer must pay the related fares.
The MOL added that during a natural disaster, employers should not require workers to come to work unless necessary. If work is required and the worker consents, the employer must not let the worker face life-threatening situations alone during their commute, such as strong winds, heavy rain, fallen trees, or large falling objects. If an injury occurs during the commute, the employer will face legal obligations related to a commuting occupational hazard.
In the past, there have been cases of workers being injured by fallen trees on their way to work during a typhoon, leading to labor disputes over occupational hazard compensation, which required mediation or litigation. When an employer requests a worker to commute for business needs, the extra transportation costs incurred by the worker for taking a taxi for their own safety should be covered by the employer, not borne by the worker. This is also a necessary action to reduce the worker’s risk of occupational hazards.
The MOL emphasized that after a city/county chief announces work and class cancellations, workers may choose not to go to work as per the guidelines. Employers may not treat this as absenteeism, tardiness, or force the worker to use personal leave or other leave types. Employers also may not force the worker to make up the work, withhold attendance bonuses, dismiss them, or take other adverse actions. However, if the employer needs the worker to be present due to business needs and the worker agrees, the employer must provide commuting assistance.
Finally, the MOL reminds employers to pay special attention to worker safety during natural disasters. Information regarding worker commuting assistance during natural disasters can be found on the MOL website (https://www.mol.gov.tw) under “Natural Disaster Worker Attendance Rights.” For other labor rights issues, contact your local labor administrative authority (Labor Affairs Bureau/Department or Social Affairs Bureau/Department of the municipality/county/city) or call the MOL 1955 hotline.
