But since the 1980s, with rising labour costs and land prices, Taiwan's competitiveness has declined. Since 1984, many factories in the EPZs have relocated to other countries. More than 30,000 EPZ workers lost their jobs between 1987 and 1992. Sit down strikes, in which workers demand compensation to which they are entitled, are common after closures. Companies that continue to operate in the EPZs use a variety of tactics to overcome rising labour costs.
Many companies import foreign workers.
Approximately 2,000 foreign migrant workers, mostly from the Philippines and Thailand, are employed in the zones. Some Japanese companies close down on their 24th year of operation to avoid paying retirement benefits, which are legally required on the 25th year. The companies in Taiwan's EPZs are shifting from manufacturing activities to trading, storage, warehousing, and distribution. Women zone workers are stuck with dismal prospects in the EPZs and few job opportunities outside the EPZs. Wong Mei Yueh works for a Japanese electronics company as a general staff member.