Security guard's complaint over Dragon Boat Festival bonus sparks debate: 'Beats many workers'

A security guard's complaint about receiving a Dragon Boat Festival bonus of NT$6,000 (approximately US$185) has ignited a discussion online, with many netizens arguing the amount is surprisingly generous compared to what other workers receive.

The guard posted on the social media platform Threads, expressing dissatisfaction with the bonus, stating, "Our company is too unconscionable, only giving 6,000 yuan for the Dragon Boat Festival, it's too stingy." The post included an image of a red envelope labeled "security industry."

“

Our company is too unconscionable, only giving 6,000 yuan for the Dragon Boat Festival, it's too stingy.

However, the sentiment among many commenters was that NT$6,000 is a substantial amount. Numerous users shared their own experiences, with some reporting their companies offered no bonus at all, only gift boxes of traditional rice dumplings (zongzi), while others received nothing. Some expressed envy, noting that NT$6,000 was enough to "beat a lot of grassroots workers."

Data from a recent survey by yes123 job bank reveals that the average Dragon Boat Festival bonus distributed by companies in Taiwan is NT$1,270 (approximately US$39). The survey indicated that 57.6% of companies planned to issue bonuses this year, a slight increase from the previous year. Of those issuing bonuses, 47.3% would not offer gifts, while 10.3% would provide both bonuses and gifts. Conversely, 42.4% of companies would not offer bonuses, with 17.6% providing gifts instead, leaving 24.8% of employees receiving neither.

“

This amount already beats a lot of grassroots workers.