Premier Jiang Yi-huah today urged the Ministry of Labor (MOL) to build greater autonomy into labor-management relationships in the country, as it will help lay a harmonious foundation and allow both sides to enjoy the fruits of economic growth.
In its report to the Cabinet about building autonomous labor relations, the MOL said it is promoting the development of labor unions, encouraging consultations and partnerships between labor and management, building cooperation mechanisms, setting up dispute-resolution systems, and promoting education on dignity and respect for workers. These efforts, which intensified after revisions to the Labor Union Act, the Act for Settlement of Labor-Management Disputes and the Collective Agreement Act took effect May 1, 2011, have produced encouraging results, Jiang said.
In promoting labor union development, for instance, the total number of labor unions increased by 6.68 percent between 2010 and 2013. In particular, professional unions saw the highest growth at 58 percent, followed by industry or enterprise unions at 37 percent. Meanwhile, the number of unions participating in collective agreements also rose to 98 in 2013 from 43 in 2010; collective bargaining often results in better wages or working hours than that required by law, MOL officials said.
In building cooperation mechanisms, a total of 82 meetings were held from 2004 to 2013 to encourage dialogue among employers, employees and the public. A litigation assistance program for workers has helped conclude 8,131 cases since 2009. Among 185 cases of unfair labor practices filed as of mid-May, 84 led to court rulings and 50 resulted in settlements. The MOL pledges to continue strengthening autonomous relations and building a better environment for labor-management interaction.
Emphasizing the importance of working together and sharing government resources, the premier asked the Ministry of Economic Affairs, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Finance as well as the Ministry of Transportation and Communications to lend their support to the MOL's efforts.