Fifty brands, including NIKE and Adidas, recently called for responsible employment practices regarding migrant workers through the Fair Labor Association (FLA). Taiwan’s Labor Rights Coalition agrees with this call and pointed out that the conditions migrant workers face in Taiwan involve indicators related to forced labor, as outlined by the International Labour Organization (ILO). If these issues are not properly addressed, Taiwan could face accusations of forced labor risks and international sanctions.
The Fair Labor Association made several recommendations, urging the Taiwanese government to take immediate action. These include banning recruitment agencies from charging migrant workers fees, protecting migrant workers' freedom of association and their right to join unions, simplifying the process for migrant workers to change employers, and strengthening penalties for illegal recruitment agencies and employers.
The Labor Rights Coalition emphasized that Taiwan, as a crucial part of the global supply chain, cannot ignore its role in global economic activities. While Taiwan faces labor shortages, industries continue to rely on outdated models that suppress labor conditions. Companies pressure the government to expand migrant worker recruitment, which not only hinders industrial upgrades but also exacerbates low-wage issues. This, in turn, exposes Taiwan to frequent international scrutiny regarding labor rights violations, damaging the country’s image.
The coalition highlighted that the current legal framework is inadequate for holding companies accountable for human rights and environmental abuses, nor does it provide victims with effective remedies. In response, the coalition has joined forces with six human rights, labor, and environmental organizations to establish the "Taiwan Transnational Corporate Accountability Watch" (TTNC Watch). This initiative aims to ensure that Taiwanese transnational companies respect human rights and the environment, both overseas and within their supply chains. TTNC Watch will also accept complaints from those whose rights have been violated by Taiwanese companies abroad and will work to help them seek justice.
In addition, the coalition has launched the "No to Forced Labor – A New Mission for Taiwan’s Labor Rights" campaign to further address these issues.
[ Commercial Times / Reporter Lin Liang-Chi ] 2024.09.25 22:47
[ Photo by Newspaper department information photo ]