Members of the Taoyuan City Home Care Workers Union, along with migrant workers and human rights groups, petitioned in front of the Ministry of Labor on the 15th, demanding that the government hasten the inclusion of approximately 200,000 domestic workers in labor insurance, seeking to end systemic exclusion and secure basic labor protections.

Domestic workers are recognized as mandatory participants in labor disaster insurance, but participation in labor insurance requires the employer's consent. Multiple migrant worker organizations gathered before the Labor Ministry shouting, 'We want labor insurance!' emphasizing that domestic workers are excluded from it, and if accidents, illnesses, or disabilities occur, they will fall into a situation with no support, and will not receive retirement benefits.

The Labor Department responded that the issue also involves all employees working for individuals, and a thorough discussion is necessary across various sectors of society before any legal amendments can be made. Several migrant worker organizations held a press conference on the eve of International Domestic Workers Day, stating that over 200,000 domestic workers in the country remain excluded from compulsory labor insurance under the pretext of 'fewer than five employees,' though employers can voluntarily insure them.

Marni, a representative from the Taiwan Care Labor Industry Union, stated that while domestic workers are included in occupational disaster insurance and can receive medical expenses and disability compensation, they do not adequately address the real daily risks and needs they face. She shared the story of her friend Thia, who suffered from a uterine fibroid and, due to the lack of labor insurance, had no income during her illness and recovery period and could not take sick leave with compensation. She questioned why merely because the workplace is at home, they are not regarded as true workers, implying that domestic workers cannot become ill, pregnant, give birth, or require elderly care.

Carol, a representative of the Taoyuan City Home Care Workers Union, emphasized that domestic workers are not seeking special treatment but simply wish to be treated with dignity, fairness, and equal legal protections like other Taiwanese workers. The ILO Convention No. 189 clearly states that domestic workers should enjoy social protections on par with other workers. Labor insurance is a crucial survival safeguard, and they urge the government to include them in labor insurance.

Su Yuguo, the head of the Labor Development Agency under the Labor Department, stated that starting in 2022, domestic workers have been mandatory participants in occupational disaster insurance, and employers are required to insure them for NT$300,000 in accident insurance. However, to mandate labor insurance, it involves all workers employed by individuals and requires discussions across various sectors to promote such changes. Currently, the Labor Department will continue encouraging both employers and migrant workers to agree voluntarily to insurance coverage.