High-Temperature Allowances for Mail Carriers?|氣溫頻飆高 郵政工會盼爭取高溫津貼
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Tainan's water shortage continues to worsen, people working outdoors also suffer as Taiwan experience record high temperatures. That's why the Ministry of Labor is studying the feasibility of giving "high-temperature vacation days." Meanwhile, the Chunghwa Postal Workers' Union is calling for "high-temperature allowances" instead.
A mail carrier delivers mail in the city. Mail carriers are responsible for sorting mail at post offices, filling their mail bags and delivering the mail. Mr. Shi has worked as a mail carrier for 20-some years. He says it feels like summers are getting hotter and hotter. He adds that it is also extremely uncomfortable how his uniform gets soggy with sweat, then dries, then gets soggy again when working on blistering days.
It's a bit more uncomfortable because it's so hot, and it makes the work harder. (So would allowances be a good thing?) An extra benefit is always welcome.
I will at least be able to go buy some cold water to drink. We work outdoors, and spend the whole day running from place to place. Sometimes you just don't bring enough water with you.
The Chunghwa Postal Workers' Union is currently seeking to have the government provide "high-temperature allowances" to mail carriers. Mr. Shi and Mr. Chen are happy that someone is watching out for them. The union says mail carriers are at high risk of developing heat-related illnesses. Recently, the Ministry of Labor began studying the feasibility of allowing "high-temperature vacation days." However, this type of vacation day may not be suitable for mail carriers. As such, the union is fighting for allowances.
This year, the company gave our mail carriers a pair of sunglasses. When temperatures exceed government standards, cities and counties will also offer high-temperature allowances of between NT$50 and NT$80 to mail carriers.
Chunghwa Post says it is currently studying the feasibility of allowances. Last year, Taipei Weather Station recorded 77 days where the temperature exceeded 35 degrees Celsius. If every one of the 9,000 mail carriers receives the maximum NT$80 per day, the total cost will be NT$5.5 million. Chunghwa Post's board of directors will make the final decision, which will need to be approved by the Ministry of Transportation and Communications.
