Latest News - 高雄市獨立總工會

2025-06-17

[Taiwan Labor Action Coalition in Response to Tariff Impact] Press Conference

This morning, the Taiwan Labor Action Coalition in Response to Tariff Impact held a press conference, urging the government to hold open negotiations and protect workers' rights. "Reject backroom deals—unions must be involved!" they declared. If the government fails to respond, workers will take to the streets to fight for their livelihoods and job security. https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=750266250755358&rdid=mmupmazPKUIPTvGz https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hflqCpX63XU https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j9b-kAfaDNs https://www.chinatimes.com/....../20250617002065...... https://www.taisounds.com/news/content/76/196407 https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2025/06/18/2003838820

2025-06-16

Tariff Shock Threatens 500,000 Workers—Cross-Industry Unions Unite to Demand Transparency and Representation

In response to U.S. President Trump’s global tariff plan announced in early April—which includes a proposed 32% tariff on Taiwanese goods—Taiwan’s major unions warn that the impact could jeopardize over 500,000 workers’ rights and livelihoods across key industries in Taiwan. While other governments engage unions in policy discussions, Taiwan's labor groups have been excluded from ongoing negotiations with the U.S., raising fears that workers may be sacrificed as bargaining chips. The Ministry of Labor’s recent outreach has focused only on job training and post-crisis resettlement—offering no concrete measures for protection, only what unions call “planning for the funeral before the fall.” In response, five national union coalitions—representing over 50 grassroots unions—have formed the Taiwan Labor Action Coalition in Response to Tariff Impact and officially launched on June 17 at Taiwan’s Legislative Yuan. Their message to the government: “No more backroom deals. Include labor in the talks.” If the government fails to respond, the coalition will mobilize affected workers and their families to the streets. Press Conference Details: June 17, 2025, 9:00 AM – Legislative Yuan, Red Building Room 301 Speakers: - Duan Weizhong, President, Taiwan Machinery Industry Labor Union - Chen Ruolan, Chair, Taoyuan City General Union - Wang Qinghong, Chair, Kaohsiung Independent Federation of Union - Ruan Youting, Chair, National Federation of Independent Trade Unions - Dai Guorong, Chair, Taiwan Confederation of Trade Union - Cai Shengmu, Chair, Vehicle Committee, Intl. Metalworkers’ Federation of Taiwan

2025-05-05

Taiwan Network Union: Honghua Co. Posts NT$18.5 Billion in Revenue, Yet Grants a Meager NT$600 Pay Raise!

The Union Urges Honghua to Do Right by Its Employees—Fair Pay Is the Way Forward! Chunghwa Telecom subsidiary Honghua International Co., Ltd. promotes itself as a "happy enterprise", boasting seven consecutive awards, including the 2024 CSEA Excellence in Customer Service Award. At its year-end party, the company proudly announced an impressive NT$18.5 billion revenue, celebrating employees' dedication and hard work. Expecting a salary increase comparable to Chunghwa Telecom’s parent company—NT$4,000 raise and a NT$20,000 bonus—employees were stunned to learn their 2025 salary adjustment amounted to just NT$600. Despite the company’s push for performance-driven cooperation, this meager increase undermines employee contributions, damages morale, and leaves workers feeling betrayed. Hsu Fu-Li, Chairman of the Taiwan Network Union, stated: "Honghua International, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Chunghwa Telecom with NT$180 million in capital, serves as the company’s frontline for customer service—including retail, maintenance, and call centers. Honghua operates under increasingly demanding performance targets, with KPI requirements doubling annually. Despite these challenges, Honghua’s employees continue to excel, driving exceptional results. Their contributions have significantly reduced Chunghwa Telecom’s labor costs while making a substantial, undeniable impact on its earnings per share (EPS). Union Vice Chairman Chiu Hsiao-Tung stated that at Honghua’s 2024 year-end party, the company proudly announced a NT$18.5 billion revenue—100 times its capital—with growth across all performance indicators. Not only did it meet targets, but 70% of its revenue was recognized by parent company Chunghwa Telecom, contributing to its NT$4.8 EPS in 2024. Yet, despite employees’ dedication in achieving these results, Honghua’s reluctance to fairly compensate them is deeply disappointing. Union Secretary-General Qiu Wen-Hsia revealed that since January 2025, Chunghwa Telecom employees have received a NT$4,000 monthly pay raise and a NT$20,000 bonus. Meanwhile, Honghua employees—who handle customer service, retail, and repair work—were given a mere NT$600 increase. As living costs soar, many employees face financial strain. Despite Chunghwa Telecom’s emphasis on ESG and CSR, it has failed to uphold its corporate responsibility to support young workers, instead exploiting its subsidiary’s employees. To deflect scrutiny, Chunghwa Telecom claims financial independence from Honghua. Yet, the chairman is appointed by Chunghwa, and KPI targets are dictated by the parent company, suggesting complete subordination to Chunghwa’s directives. Despite this, Honghua employees continue to receive lower salaries, weaker bonuses, and poorer working conditions compared to their counterparts at Chunghwa Telecom. The union chairman emphasized that as a US-listed company through ADRs, Chunghwa Telecom must uphold ESG principles. Its annual shareholder reports repeatedly affirm its commitment to labor rights, stakeholder interests, and corporate social responsibility. We urge Chunghwa Telecom to acknowledge Honghua International as its subsidiary and reconsider its salary increase policy amid inflation and the 4% raise standard for government entities. The union recommends that, effective retroactively from January 2025, Honghua employees receive a NT$3,000 salary increase and a one-time NT$15,000 bonus—a necessary step to fairly reward employees, retain talent, and foster long-term success for shareholders, workers, and customers alike. Press Contact: Taiwan Network Union Chairman Hsu Fu-Li 0937332666 Secretary-General Qiu Wen-Hsia 0937332882 E-mail: tnu0501@gmail.com Website: http://tnu.org.tw

2025-05-03

Joint Press Release [Fighting an Unethical Employer]

Kaohsiung Sheng-Li Elementary School Principal Li Jin-Shi Faces Fines, Lawsuits Amid Power Abuse and Union Suppression Allegations Sheng-Li Elementary School Principal Li Jin-Shi is accused of power abuse, staff retaliation, union suppression, and illegal parking. He's lost multiple lawsuits, prompting the Kaohsiung Education Union and others to demand accountability for his unethical conduct and disregard for public order: Retaliation Against Whistleblowers Principal Li reportedly retaliated against those who exposed his actions. A cashier who testified in court before the Ministry of Labor was immediately hit with a poor performance review and falsely accused of absenteeism. Similarly, after filing a lawsuit against National Federation of Education Unions Secretary-General Liu Ya-Ping, Principal Li targeted the local union chair for testifying, penalizing them with an unjust assessment. Union Suppression and Fine Evasion Principal Li actively obstructed union operations, refusing to deduct union dues from salaries and violating labor laws. This led the Ministry of Labor to rule that he had committed two unfair labor practices, levying fines totaling NT$200,000. Despite the clear ruling, he attempted to evade payment through administrative litigation. His appeal was rejected, his request for suspension of the penalty denied, and his final appeal ultimately dismissed. Six Lawsuits Lost Against Teachers and Parents Principal Li's legal troubles also involved teachers and parents. He allegedly interfered in the school's parent association election, and when parents reported his behavior, he retaliated by suing them for defamation. He lost that case, and his request for reconsideration was dismissed. Additionally, his defamation lawsuits against labor leaders Liu Ya-Ping and He Geng-Xu were all rejected, with his subsequent appeals dismissed by the High Prosecutors’ Office. National Scandal Over Misused Disabled Parking Principal Li directly violated disability rights laws by illegally taking over parking spaces designated for disabled individuals. He went so far as to remove the markings from a reserved spot just to park there himself. This blatant disrespect for public order has been widely reported by media, making it a significant national scandal. Issued By / Media Contact: Kaohsiung Education Union: Chairperson Li Hsien-Neng Jointly Issued By: National Federation of Education Unions: Chairperson Lin Shuo-Chieh Kaohsiung Confederation of Trade Unions: Chairperson Lin Shun-Chi Kaohsiung Independent Federation of Union: Chairperson Wang Ching-Hung https://www.facebook.com/share/p/19EkbRL7MN/  

2025-05-01

May Day Labor Rally on Ketagalan Boulevard "Anti Bullying, Demand Protection"

At the 2025 May Day Labor Rally, the Kaohsiung Independent Federation of Union joined forces with the Taiwan Medical Workers' Union to champion critical issues facing healthcare workers nationwide. Their advocacy focused on addressing low wages, severe staff shortages, high nurse-to-patient ratios, and the push to convert fixed-term employment contracts to indefinite terms. The unions urged Minister of Health and Welfare Chiu Tai-Yuan and President Lai Ching-Te to honor their pre-election commitments, calling for an end to broken promises and voter deception. They also demanded that the Ministry of Transportation address employment contract issues for seafarers in China Steel Express and across Taiwan, pushing for a transition from fixed-term contracts to indefinite employment to safeguard workers from exploitative shipping companies. Our Key Demands: No More Bullying! Protect Our Rights! Less Work, More Life! Restore Our Holidays! End Elder Poverty! Secure Our Retirement! Fight Inflation! Raise Our Wages! Stop Discrimination! Strengthen Labor Power! Staff Up Healthcare & Education! Protect Professionals! Fair Transitions Now! Labor Has a Voice! #Kaohsiung Independent Federation of Union #Taiwan Federation of Medical Unions #China Steel Express Union #Kaohsiung Medical University Labor Union #Zuoying Armed Forces General Hospital Union https://news.tvbs.com.tw/life/2856999 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hJ2s26QeIHQ https://search.app/SUAAJksCtYqsASHJ8 https://youtu.be/IQCa5eeDtu4?si=nYOYn3jbZE1ig2_L

2025-04-27

Repost: China Steel Express Union Alleges Misconduct in Chinese Seamen's Union Elections

The China Steel Express Union has received complaints from members of the Chinese Seamen’s Union regarding irregularities in the recent union representative election, held from April 15 to April 29. Members reported that company representatives closely monitored the voting process, with supervisors overseeing polling stations and pressuring crew members to vote for company-backed candidates. Many seafarers expressed frustration, stating that such interference violated the fundamental principle of secret ballots, which is essential for fair elections. Further concerns have arisen regarding the election's integrity. Reports indicate that after ballots were cast, election officials allegedly hired temporary staff and IT personnel to collect voters' personal data. Daily records, including members' ID numbers, names, and union credentials, were reportedly uploaded to a Google Drive cloud file without consent, making them accessible to election personnel. This unauthorized practice deviates from announced election procedures, raising serious privacy and election integrity concerns. Given the sensitive nature of voter information, the election registry should have been sealed post-election. The collection and storage of voter data without authorization may violate the Personal Data Protection Act and cast doubt on the fairness of the election. The act of uploading union members' private information to Google Drive without explicit consent contradicts contractual agreements and governance regulations, potentially violating Article 20 of the Personal Data Protection Act. As violations of this law are subject to public prosecution, the China Steel Express Union has taken formal action by sending a legal notice as evidence. We urge relevant authorities to intervene and rectify the situation, ensuring a fair and lawful election process for the Chinese Seamen’s Union. Moreover, we call on specific shipping companies to relinquish control over union affairs and allow seafarers to regain their rightful representation, reaffirming the union’s original mission of safeguarding and advocating for Taiwan’s maritime workforce.

2024-11-26

[China Steel Express Union] Hundreds of Crews and Families Rally Around CSC Building with Vehicles

[China Steel Express Union Interview Notice 11-27-2024] No Progress on Employment Rights Protection and Reinstatement of Labor and Health Insurance! Calling for Hundreds of Seafarers and Families with Vehicles to Surround CSC Building Since July this year, China Steel Express (CSE), a 100% subsidiary of state-owned China Steel Corporation (CSC), has abruptly cut off labor and health insurance for hundreds of Taiwanese seafarers waiting for reassignments onshore. Additionally, the company delays the reassignment of Taiwanese seafarers while prioritizing Chinese seafarers. These actions jeopardize the work rights and livelihoods of Taiwanese seafarers and their families. To defend these rights, the union has obtained the first legal strike right for seafarers in Taiwan’s maritime history and mobilized hundreds of seafarers and their families to protest at the Ministry of Labor in October, demanding the then-Minister Ho Peishan resolve these issues. The union has vowed to continue its protests if no action is taken. Despite a recent labor-management negotiation facilitated by the Ministry of Labor, the Ministry of Economic Affairs, and the Kaohsiung Bureau, only limited consensus was reached, and no substantial progress on key issues such as employment rights protection and the reinstatement of labor and health insurance. To demonstrate our determination, the union has decided to mobilize hundreds of seafarers and their families with vehicles on November 27. We will gather in front of the CSC Building to “surround” the building and demand a prompt response from CSC and CSE. The union also addresses the new Minister of Labor, Hung Shenhan that former Minister Ho’s resignation was due to her failure to support oppressed workers when needed. Minister Hung, should understand the labor issues better from his tenure as a legislator, whether it was attending the union’s press conference last December exposing CSE under contribution of employee pensions, or recently questioning CSE’s hiring Chinese crew to replace Taiwanese seafarers, which poses a threat to Taiwan’s national security. We believe that Minister Huang understands CSE’s violation of labor laws and Taiwanese seafarers’ deprivation of employment rights. The union calls on Minister Hung to continue his concern for Taiwanese seafarers’ rights and use administrative power to ensure protection of their employment and labor rights. The union’s demands for November 27 “Surround and Bypass” action are as follows: 1.     Confirm the employment relationship between CSE and its seafarers as an indefinite contract to protect their employment rights. 2.     CSE must reinstate labor and health insurance for Taiwanese seafarers waiting for reassignment onshore. 3.     Gradually reduce the hiring of Chinese seafarers, prioritizing the assignment of Taiwanese seafarers. Time: 14:30, November 27, 2024 Location: In front of CSC Building (No.88, Chenggong 2nd Road, Kaohsiung) Press Contact: CSE Union President Wang Qinghong (0966-557-709)

2024-11-04

Kaohsiung Independent Federation of Union Urges Education Director to Remove Unfit Principal!

[Principal Scandal] Principal Occupies Disabled Parking Spot—Yes, It's Li Jinshi of Sheng-Li Primary School Again! Written by Chiu Kaiyu (Deputy Director, Appeals Department, Kaohsiung Education Union) [The press release content by the National Federation of Education Unions was confirmed by the Education Bureau's investigation. Demand disciplinary action!] [Press Release 2023-11-27 National Federation of Education Union (NFEU)] [Principal Occupies Disabled Parking Spot] [Teacher: The Disgrace of Scholars Is a National Embarrassment] [NFEU: Authorities Should Rectify and Penalize!] Press Contact: Lin Shuojie, President of the National Federation of Education Union The National Federation of Education Union (NFEU) reported that Kaohsiung Sheng-Li Primary School Principal Li Jinshi occupied disabled parking spots and even removed one for his exclusive use. NFEU members condemned this inhumane behavior. According to Article 56 of the People with Disabilities Rights Protection Act, public parking lots must reserve 2% of spaces for people with mobility impairments. At least one space is required if there are fewer than 50 spaces. Only vehicles with a designated permit can use these spaces. Permits are issued based on need. The central authority, with relevant departments, determines the specifics. Government agencies, schools, groups, and enterprises with parking must comply. Article 99 states that public parking lots failing to comply with Article 56 must improve within a given period or face fines of NT$10,000 to NT$50,000. Sheng-Li Primary School initially had two disabled parking spots. However, since Principal Li Jinshi took office in August 2022, his Lexus has occupied these spots without a disabled parking permit. Over time, these spots became his exclusive parking. In a more egregious move, one of the spots was eventually erased, allowing Principal Li to openly park there. According to the Parking Lot Law, unauthorized use of disabled parking spots must be reported by parking lot operators to the authorities or police. Authorities can require parking lot operators to provide relevant data or reports and inspect their facilities. Refusal to comply will result in fines of up to NT$6,000 for the responsible person. Principal Li Jinshi, as the parking lot manager, violated regulations by occupying disabled parking spots without a permit and failing to reserve the required ratio of such spots. Additionally, he concealed this misuse and did not report it to authorities. His actions, including erasing the disabled parking spots, blatantly violate the law. The NFEU believes the Ministry of Education should establish criteria to remove unfit principals who violate public order, decency, and societal norms.

2024-11-01

[China Steel Express Union] Strong Response to Recent Defamatory "Reports" Against the Union and Its Leaders

To all scholars, union friends, and supporters of the China Steel Express Union seafarers' labor rights dispute: First, we thank the many friends who informed us that a Kaohsiung-registered media outlet, "Ruthless Weekly," published a two-page, eight-section issue on October 21st. The front-page title, "CSE Union Misconduct: Employers Urge Legal Compliance," and an entire second page uncritically reproduced China Steel Group’s statements while making numerous false accusations and defamatory remarks against the union and its leaders. Unlike most of the outlet's articles, which are signed by reporters, this attack was signed under a pseudonym. What's more perplexing is that this media outlet spent considerable postage to mail this false report to unions, labor groups, and scholars across Taiwan. Therefore, regarding this so-called "report", which is actually an attack on the union, we believe it is absolutely necessary to refute its false content point by point to set the record straight: False Statement: The union's fight for seafarers' rights violates international conventions. Clarification: The claim that “the union's demands for indefinite employment contracts and the reinstatement of labor and health insurance violate international conventions and prevent Taiwanese ships from passing port inspections and docking operations” aligns with China Steel Express (CSE) management's long-standing misinformation. The "international convention" mentioned here is the International Labour Organization's (ILO) Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) of 2006. However, neither the English version nor the Chinese translation of the MLC requires seafarers to sign fixed-term contracts, which offer less protection. On the contrary, Rule 2.1 of the MLC's Seafarers' Employment Agreements mandates that the terms for termination and conditions be clearly stated in the agreement. In an indefinite employment contract, the shipowner's notice period must not be shorter than the seafarer's notice period. In other words, the MLC explicitly allows shipping companies to sign indefinite contracts with seafarers. Additionally, the conditions for terminating these contracts must be clearly stated in the agreement between both parties. Furthermore, CSE has repeatedly deceived the public by claiming that the MLC requires seafarers to sign fixed-term contracts because "seafarers cannot stay on board for more than 12 months, after which the employer must repatriate them." This is a malicious distortion of the MLC. The MLC, in Rule 2.5 "Repatriation," clearly states that its purpose is to ensure seafarers can return home. It specifies that seafarers should not serve on board for more than 12 consecutive months. In other words, the rule is about ensuring seafarers can return to shore for rest, and it has nothing to do with requiring fixed-term contracts. This shows that the criticisms in this "propaganda" piece are entirely copied from CSE’s lies and are completely contrary to the MLC's aim of protecting seafarers' rights. False Statement: CSE Union falsely accuses CSE of forcing out Taiwanese seafarers?          Clarification: The changes in the number of Taiwanese seafarers at CSE since 2019 speak for themselves. Year 2019 2023 2024 Number of Taiwanese Seafarers 656 478 315 Source: China Steel Express Corporate Sustainability Report CSE has used fixed-term contracts as a control method, especially since the union was established in 2018. By delaying the renewal of contracts for Taiwanese seafarers, many have been forced into a situation with no income and eventually pushed out of their jobs. In contrast, during this period, CSE prioritized foreign seafarers (mainly Chinese seafarers), reassigning them to ships after a one to two-month break. CSE has never directly responded to the union's and seafarers' accusations regarding this issue. False Statement: CSE has upheld "Administrative Compliance" since its establishment. Clarification: The Ministry of Labor's public records reveal that CSE has repeatedly been found guilty of violating labor laws. See the details below: The Ministry of Labor's public records show that CSE has repeatedly been found guilty of violating labor laws. Details as below: Ministry of Labor Announcement of Employer Violating Labor Laws Governing Authority Date Document # Employer Violated Law Article Details New Taipei City 11/30/2021 Inspection No. 1104747896 China Steel Express Occupational Safety and Health Act Article 6, Paragraph 1 Failure to comply with the necessary safety and health equipment and measures New Taipei City 10/21/2021 Inspection No. 1104742591 China Steel Express Occupational Safety and Health Act Article 6, Paragraph 1 Failure to comply with the necessary safety and health equipment and measures Labor Insurance Bureau 3/30/ 2021 Insurance/ Pension Ref# 11160056652 China Steel Express Labor Pension Act Article 15, Paragraph 2 Failure to accurately contribute the labor pension amount Labor Insurance Bureau 6/13/ 2022 Insurance/ Pension Ref# 11160056652 China Steel Express Labor Pension Act Article 15, Paragraph 2 Failure to accurately contribute the labor pension amount In 2021, a China Steel Express (CSE) employee reported the company's practice of underreporting wages and insufficient pension contributions to the Labor Insurance Bureau. The Bureau confirmed CSE's violations and imposed penalties. However, instead of addressing the issues, CSE wasted resources by suing the Bureau. The Supreme Administrative Court ultimately upheld the Bureau's findings, confirming CSE's violations. At a press conference in December 2023, held in the Legislative Yuan on "CSE's Illegal Withholding of Employee Pension Contributions," both a Bureau representative and Legislator Hung Shen-han emphasized CSE's violations and urged the company to comply with the legal rulings. Despite this, CSE continued to refuse to pay the owed pension contributions. False Statement: Experts supporting seafarers' labor rights are said to misunderstand international conventions and hinder shipping companies' operations. Clarification: This "propaganda" includes anonymous accusations, unfairly criticizing scholars who have researched and spoken about seafarers' labor rights. The article claims these experts "do not understand international conventions and the unique nature of seafarers’ work, supporting workers without considering that violating international conventions will prevent Taiwanese ships from passing inspections and docking..." These baseless and irresponsible remarks are the worst kind of attack on scholars advocating for seafarers' rights. In 2023, the Law School of National Chengchi University collaborated with the CSE Union and hosted an international symposium on "Seafarers' Labor Rights Protection and Social Insurance Systems," co-organized by the Taiwan Labor Law Association and the Confederation of Taipei Trade Unions. The participating professors were all highly respected scholars in Taiwan's labor law field. The symposium also featured three renowned Japanese scholars from top academic institutions who have long studied seafarers' labor rights and welfare. These scholars unanimously reaffirmed that seafarers can legally sign indefinite contracts with shipping companies and clarified that the union's efforts to secure such contracts do not violate the Maritime Labor Convention. The Japanese scholars specifically analyzed the reasonable rights and obligations between seafarers and shipping companies during off-duty periods when seafarers are not on board. This refuted CSE's and the "propaganda" claims that indefinite contracts violate international conventions and shipping industry practices. In reality, there has never been any evidence of seafarers, in Japan or internationally, causing shipping companies to go out of business due to indefinite contracts. False Statement: The union president "exploits" union protests for personal grievances against the company. Clarification: The "propaganda" claims that the union's efforts to protect seafarers' rights are driven by the union president's personal vendetta against the company. Regarding the accusation that the CSE union president "used a company phone for personal business, leading to the phone's confiscation and the president's alleged vendetta," CSE has used this tactic for about four years to intimidate and hinder the union's efforts. In 2020, the CSE union and the Kaohsiung Independent Federation of Unions reported CSE's actions against the union president as workplace bullying, violating the Occupational Safety and Health Act, and requested an investigation by the city's labor bureau. If the union president truly engaged in the improper behavior alleged by the employer or this "propaganda," why would the union proactively report it to the authority for investigation? And why hasn't the employer taken any action against the union president to date? Lastly, we deeply regret any inconvenience caused by this "propaganda," which aims to defame the union for persistently fighting for seafarers' labor rights. We hope the above explanation helps you understand that the union's demands are well-founded and the suppression faced by seafarers is urgent. Rest assured, the union will not back down due to malicious attacks. We will continue to fight for the labor rights and future of Taiwanese seafarers. Thank you all for your support and solidarity!

2024-10-15

[United Daily News – 10/9/2024] 300 Seafarers Jobless Amid Contract Dispute—Union Presses Labor Ministry for Action!

Since late July, China Steel Express (CSE) has cut off Taiwan seafarers’ labor insurance and health insurance, delaying their reassignment to ships. This action forces them out of job, pushing over 300 families into financial hardship. Today, hundreds of union members protested at the Ministry of Labor, demanding a labor inspection, recognition of indefinite employment contracts, and reinstatement of both insurances. The protest escalated into a violent clash, with protesters pushing and shoving at the ministry's entrance. The CSE Union has a long-standing dispute with the company over whether employment contracts should be fixed term or indefinite. After over a hundred seafarers’ insurances were cut off in July, their reassignment to ship duties has yet to happen. At the end of July, the Bureau of Labor Insurance indirectly acknowledged the insurance termination in its communication with CSE. The union argues that determining the nature of labor contracts is the Ministry of Labor’s responsibility, but the ministry has avoided its duty by advising the filing of ineffective lawsuits with local authorities, thereby aiding CSE in exploiting the seafarers. Union member Chen Bo-qian pointed out that it’s been over 100 days since the seafarers' insurance was cut off, yet the Ministry of Labor has not intervened. He questioned why Minister of Labor Ho Pei-shan, who was once sentenced for advocating for laid-off female workers in Kaohsiung 35 years ago, is now failing to support these oppressed workers despite having the opportunity to do the right thing. Wang Ching-hong, chairman of the CSE Union, stated that many seafarers left their families behind during the pandemic to work at sea, generating NT$2-3 billion annual revenue for CSE. Yet the company top executives enjoy these profits while leaving these seafarers in financial distress. Wang called on the Minister of Labor to act consistently, support the workers, and recognize indefinite employment contracts. He further warned that today's protest is just the beginning, and the union may move the protest to Ketagalan Boulevard tomorrow, on National Day, to appeal directly to President Lai Ching-te. A Ministry of Labor official responded to the union’s demands by reiterating respect for the law and court rulings, prompting frequent interruptions from union members. Chen Bo-qian emphasized a precedent 3 years ago when the Ministry proactively determined the employment relationship between delivery workers and platforms. The union demands that the Ministry to initiate a labor inspection and clarify the employment relationship between CSE and the seafarers. Dissatisfed with the official's response, over 100 protesters shouted, "Return our right to work!" and clashed with police at the entrance of the Ministry of Labor, creating a tense scene. Wang Hou-wei, Director of the Department of Labor Relations, explained that since the labor contract dispute between CSE and the seafarers is still being litigated in court. Therefore, the ministry cannot compel the company to reinstate insurance during the lawsuit. However, the Ministry can provide legal aid assistance if needed. Wang further noted that the ministry has assisted both sides during negotiations and urged the company to treat the seafarers fairly and resolve their disputes through dialogue. He emphasized that the Ministry has received the union’s complaints and will address any labor law violations. A labor inspection will be conducted if needed, and violations will be penalized. However, due to the unique nature of seafarers' employment, if work-related rights involve seafarer-specific regulations, the Ministry will refer the matter to the Ministry of Transportation and Communications for further action. Regarding the impact on seafarers' right to work, Wang stated that the Ministry will request a list of union members. If any Taiwanese seafarers are willing to work but have not been assigned, the ministry will ask CSE to prioritize job assignments, ensuring employment protection for domestic workers.