News
Pregnant women still barred from doing night shifts
The Ministry of Labour says women who are pregnant or breastfeeding are still banned from working shifts late at night or in the early morning hours, even though women who don't fall into these categories are now allowed to do so without restrictions.
The ministry issued the clarification to local governments after the Constitutional Court invalidated a portion of the Labour Standards Act pertaining to women working at night.
Labour officials say the court's move has resulted in some confusion on the matter.
Article 49 of the act originally stated that female workers were prohibited from working between 10pm and 6am although exceptions were available if three requirements were met.
The Constitutional Court voided that portion of Article 49 on 20 August, citing Article 7 of the Constitution, which states that all citizens, irrespective of sex, religion, race, class, or party affiliation, shall be equal before the law.
However, the labour ministry says the ban remains in effect and employers who violate this rule face a fine of up to NT$450,000.
