Taiwan public sector workers protest pension reforms

AFP, TAIPEI: More than 100,000 people, mostly civil servants, took to Taipei's streets Saturday in protest over planned reforms to the island's struggling pension system, for which they say they are unfairly blamed. The massive demonstration was the latest challenge to President Tsai Ing-wen's new government, which has seen its popularity ratings fall rapidly since taking the helm in May. Taiwan's pension schemes vary for different occupations and public sector retirees typically receive more generous packages than workers from other sectors which fall under a different labour pension system. The government has warned that various pension funds are estimated to go bankrupt from as early as 2020 if the system is not overhauled. Retired civil servants, teachers, servicemen and firefighters shouted "oppose stigmatisation" and "demand dignity" as they gathered in a square near the presidential office in downtown Taipei.

Taiwan public sector workers protest pension reforms

AFP, TAIPEI: More than 100,000 people, mostly civil servants, took to Taipeis streets Saturday in protest over planned reforms to the islands struggling pension system, for which they say they are unfairly blamed. The massive demonstration was the latest challenge to President Tsai Ing-wens new government, which has seen its popularity ratings fall rapidly since taking the helm in May. Taiwans pension schemes vary for different occupations and public sector retirees typically receive more generous packages than workers from other sectors which fall under a different labour pension system. The government has warned that various pension funds are estimated to go bankrupt from as early as 2020 if the system is not overhauled. Retired civil servants, teachers, servicemen and firefighters shouted oppose stigmatisation and demand dignity as they gathered in a square near the presidential office in downtown Taipei.