Part Timers in Taiwan Protest Inequities

Part-time faculty members in Taiwan are protesting their treatment at a time that universities are increasingly relying on them to teach, The Taipei Times reported. A petition delivered to the Ministry of Higher Education noted low wages, lack of pensions and other benefits, and the inability to apply for research and teaching support that is available to full-time faculty members. Further, they noted that there are no maternity leaves available for part-time instructors, effectively barring the women who lack full-time positions from becoming pregnant.