Thousands of Taiwanese labourers from various industries marched through the streets of Taipei on Tuesday demanding higher wages and a referendum to amend a labour law that currently gives more flexibility to employers.

"We hope that all labourers can sign a petition," said Lin Tzu-wen, a councilor for Shin Hai Gas Workers Association.

"Through the petition, we hope to have our previous labour law back through a referendum," he added.

Wu Kuo-yang, President for Kaohsiung Medical University Labour Union said that laws were changed to give enterprises more flexibility, allowing them to force labourers to work overtime, and reduce time off.

"Of course labourers could have negotiations with enterprises, but few enterprises have workers unions," he added.

The protesters also observed a one-minute silence for all the labourers who have died while doing their job.