KMT lawmakers are proposing changes to boost parental leave benefits.

The bill would formalize the current system providing up to 80% of a worker's
salary during parental leave, making it a legal entitlement.

Currently, only 60% is mandated by law, with the remaining 20% provided
through government subsidies.

Under the proposal, that additional 20% would be funded through the national
budget and become a statutory responsibility.

It also proposes increasing support for disadvantaged families, with
subsidies reaching up to full salary in some cases.

Lawmakers say the move responds to Taiwan’s worsening low birth rate crisis
... as many families hesitate to have children due to financial and workplace
pressures ... and the risk of income loss during leave.

They also say policies should support not only families but businesses, which
face staffing pressures when employees take parental leave.

(IG)