Taiwanese Groups Urge Policy Review for Island Fisheries and Care Sector

The Taiwan Solidarity Union (TSU) and the Taiwan Employers Association convened in Penghu for a critical discussion on the pressing issues facing the island's fisheries and long-term care sector. The joint forum, held at the Penghu Fishermen's Association, brought together local fishermen, captains, employers of domestic helpers, and elected representatives to voice concerns over labor shortages and the impact of current migrant worker policies. A central point of contention is the government's push towards a "zero migrant worker cost" policy, which employers argue unfairly increases their financial burden. The association emphasized that many Penghu fishing boats operate as small, family-run businesses, not large corporations, yet are subjected to the same labor regulations as urban factories. This disparity creates significant pressure on frontline boat owners and household employers. Compounding these issues, Penghu faces a rapidly aging population, outward migration, and insufficient long-term care resources. TSU Chairman Chou Ni-an highlighted the multiple pressures on Penghu's near-shore fisheries, including declining catches, rising fuel costs, and labor scarcity. He warned that if the government shifts recruitment and training costs to employers, it could severely impact small fishing vessels. The TSU and the Taiwan Employers Association jointly called for a review of migrant worker and island employment systems, advocating for management mechanisms tailored to maritime operations and critical care needs. They urged labor policies to consider the unique circumstances of outlying islands, preventing the transfer of all system costs and risks to grassroots families and small boat owners. The groups stressed the need for tangible government support to address long-term care shortages, migrant worker disappearances, and industry labor gaps, rather than imposing further administrative and employment burdens.

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Small fishing boats are not large conglomerates, and the cost of migrant workers cannot be borne entirely by employers.