The world's dependence on Taiwanese microchips is often seen as a deterrent against a Chinese attack. But to keep the production running, companies rely on foreign workers — who complain about their working conditions.

Taipei City

Migrant workers from the Philippines make up a significant portion of Taiwan's workforce in the high-tech and semiconductor sectors. Despite legal protections against discrimination, many migrants report being assigned more demanding tasks and less favourable shifts compared to local employees. Community leaders, such as Father Joy Tajonera, have become advocates for these workers, highlighting issues like labour rights violations and unequal treatment. While some improvements have been observed, particularly in companies with international supply chain obligations, concerns about working conditions persist. Requests for comment from Taiwan's Labour Ministry and the Taiwan Semiconductor Industry Association were not answered.

Taiwan: Migrant workers face bias in booming chip industry

Sunday morning in central Taiwan. The churchgoers are migrants from the Philippines. Some have travelled from all over the island to attend a mass with their fellow countrymen. For these devout Catholics, it is an emotional experience. But it is also an important community event and an opportunity for the migrant workers to discuss their problems with Father Joy Tajonera. He has become an advocate for the migrants' rights. Along the way, you realise that there are so many injustices, or social injustices. The violation of labour rights, the violation of human rights, the violation of women's rights. And so you started to advocate. No, it should not be that way. The Philippines are the third biggest country of origin for migrant workers in Taiwan. According to official figures, 180,000 people from the Philippines are currently living in Taiwan, many of them working in Taiwan's high-tech industry. Tech parks are not only the backbone of the economy. Taiwan's dominance in the semiconductor industry is also often seen as a deterrent against an attack from China. But in order to keep production domestic, companies rely on migrant workers. And although laws prohibit discrimination, many complain that pressure on them is higher than on their Taiwanese colleagues. Every Filipina will say they're too tired. They have to do more work than the Taiwanese. For example, the Taiwanese workers run three machines. But we, the overseas workers, run five machines. Most of the Taiwanese work only two different shifts. Few of them ever have night shifts. But all of the migrants do. A shared meal provides opportunities for further discussions and consultations. Father Tajonera does see improvements, especially where manufacturers work with international companies. One of the best things that happened so far is what we call supply chain. Meaning the employer or manufacturers in Taiwan cannot make excuses. Because along the way when we do our research, oh by the way, you're selling your product to Germany. You're selling your product to France. And this company said there's a corporate social responsibility. Taiwan's Labour Ministry and the Taiwan Semiconductor Industry Association did not reply to DW's interview requests.

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