My employer suddenly told me I'm fired, effective tomorrow. Is that legal?
Not necessarily. Under Article 11, an employer needs a statutory reason (closure, losses, restructuring, or genuine incapacity) to lay someone off, and must give advance notice (Article 16, 10–30 days) and severance (Article 17). Only serious misconduct — like unauthorized absence for 3 days — allows immediate dismissal without either.
Do this: Never sign a "voluntary resignation" form. Ask for a written reason, keep evidence, and request a non-voluntary-separation certificate.
I was laid off. How is severance calculated, and can I get unemployment benefits?
Severance: 0.5 months' average wage per year of service, capped at 6 months (average of your last 6 months' total pay ÷ 6). If laid off involuntarily with 1+ year insured, you can claim unemployment benefits — 60% of your average insured salary, up to 6 months. Employers who skip severance risk a NT$300,000–1,500,000 fine.
My company says I'm on a "responsibility system," so no overtime pay. Is that legal?
In most cases, no. The real exemption (Article 84-1) only covers specific government-designated job categories, requires a written agreement, and must be filed with and approved by the local authority. Missing any one of those three means standard overtime rules apply — 1.33x for the first 2 hours, 1.67x after. Keep your own attendance records; you have 5 years to claim.
My company only offers comp time instead of overtime pay. Is that allowed?
Only with your consent (Article 32-1) — your employer can't impose it. You can choose overtime pay instead. Unused comp time at the deadline or when you leave must be paid out at the overtime rate.
My company says unused annual leave just disappears. Is that legal?
No. Under Article 38, leave accrues by seniority and you choose the dates. Unused days at year-end or on termination must be paid in cash. Refusing can cost an employer NT$20,000–1,000,000 in fines.
My employer hasn't paid my wages in months. What can I do?
Wages must be paid in full and on time (Articles 22–23). If not, you can terminate your contract without notice and still claim severance (Article 14). Send a written demand, request free mediation through your local labor bureau, and if unresolved, pursue Labor Incident Act litigation. If the company folds, apply to the Wage Arrears Payment Fund (up to 6 months' wages).
I was injured at work or on my commute. Am I covered?
During treatment, your employer must cover medical costs and keep paying your original wage (Article 59), and generally cannot dismiss you (Article 13). Occupational injury insurance covers medical, disability, and death benefits; reasonable-route commuting accidents generally qualify. Get documentation immediately and report it.
I was reassigned or pushed out after telling my employer I'm pregnant. What now?
This is illegal. The Act of Gender Equality in Employment (Article 11) voids any dismissal tied to pregnancy, childbirth, or childcare leave. Maternity leave is 8 weeks fully paid if employed 6+ months. File with your local labor bureau's Gender Equality Committee — the burden of proof mostly falls on the employer.