At a banquet meeting with leaders of the nation's labor unions today, Premier Mao Chi-kuo thanked the unions for their support of government policies and expressed his respect and gratitude for the contributions of frontline workers who have always stood fast at their posts.
"Laborers are the cornerstone of national development and social stability," the premier reiterated. "Understanding workers' needs, enhancing their welfare, and safeguarding their rights and interests have always been fundamental responsibilities of the government as well as bases for formulating policies."
The premier expects the MOL staff, under the leadership of Minister Chen Hsiung-wen of the Ministry of Labor (MOL), to put their hearts and souls into workers' needs and help resolve problems from the workers' perspective.
Minister Chen has taken many proactive measures since assuming office in August this year, the premier pointed out. For instance, the minimum monthly wage has been raised from NT$19,273 (US$632) to NT$20,008 (US$656) and the minimum hourly wage from NT$115 (US$3.77) to NT$120 (US$3.93), helping disadvantaged laborers sustain their basic living expenses.
With regard to the long-unresolved labor dispute concerning Hualong Textile Co. closing shop, the premier further pointed out that Chen has handled the case by working together with the Ministry of Finance and the Financial Supervisory Commission. To better protect labor interests, writing labor rights concerning wages, pensions and severance pay into law will be deliberated.
Mao reiterated that he cherished his meeting with the union heads and that the precious opinions they provided will serve as important bases for the administration.