The Council for Labor Affairs is set to review the basic wage in mid-September after a two-year freeze. Members of the labor groups are voicing for minimum wage to be adjusted, while, those representing the six major industries are asking to maintain the current rate.

Facing the escalating tension between workers and business owners, vice Premier Sean Chen says that the government will carefully evaluate the situation and respect opinions from both parties.

The plan to adjust basic wage has received opposite views from labor and management.

Before the Council for Labor Affairs is to convene a meeting to review the issue on September 13th, six major business groups issued a joint statement on September 3rd, urging the government to keep the basic wage unchanged, adding that since the foreign labor wages are included in the program, the adjustment plan would only benefit foreign labor workers.

And if the adjustment is made while the economy is reviving slowly, it could impact business development.

Vice Premier Sean Chen said that the voices from business groups and labor groups have been heard and the Council for Labor Affairs will make the best decision given the information available.

Labor groups believe the basic wage is to cover the basic needs of life for labors and thus it should be readjusted.

While business groups say they are not opposing the plan, they simply hope the government can take a less aggressive approach so companies can adjust the wages at appropriate times.