KMT to back labour Bill if...

The Straits Times, 22 December 2000

TAIPEI—Yielding to a public revolt against partisan sparing, the Kuomintang (KMT) legislative caucus said yesterday it would back the 44-hour work week if President Chen Shui-bian apologises for vowing to institute a 40-hour scheme on his campaign trial.

The Presidential Office reiterated it would make a positive response once the opposition-dominated lawmaking body reforms the labour law, reported the China Post.

At issue is a Bill calling for a maximum work time of 44 hours every week, which the Cabinet insists is crucial to help curb the economic downturn.

The KMT will give the green light to the 44-hour work week if the President admits making a mistake by vowing to introduce a shorter one on the campaign trail, KMT legislative caucus leader Her Jyh-huei said.

The Bill must be passed by the end of the week.