On the eve of Labor Day, Premier Jiang Yi-huah reiterated the government's determination to safeguard workers' rights and interests and improve their welfare. He made the remarks at an award ceremony held today in Taipei to honor 51 model workers as well as 21 companies that have signed collective agreements with their employees. He also expressed highest respect and gratitude on behalf of the government to all laborers for their hard work, saying the diligence of the award winners has infused positive momentum into Taiwan's society.
"After the Ministry of Labor (MOL) was upgraded from the Council of Labor Affairs on February 17 this year, its authority, responsibilities as well as the people it serves have become more clearly defined. Its coordination and policymaking functions have also been enhanced," noted the premier.
Under President Ma Ying-jeou's leadership, continued Premier Jiang, workers have benefited from amendments to the three labor laws (Labor Union Act, Collective Agreement Act, and Act for Settlement of Labor), six raises to the national minimum wage, and implementation of the unpaid parental leave program, which have drawn innumerable applicants so far.
"However, there is still room for improvement in such areas as labor education and insurance, the mechanism governing temporary workers, and protection of the temps' rights and interests," said the premier. He expressed hope that the MOL can create a better working environment for all laborers.
To help the nation achieve economic growth, higher salaries and better working conditions, not only should every business provide a good working atmosphere but the government must also create a peaceful, harmonious and mutual beneficial environment. In the past several decades, Taiwan's economic development was driven by a hard working, honest and responsible workforce. Whatever the labor dispute, they always expressed their opinions through rational dialogue and resolved differences by democratic and lawful means, Jiang said.
In recent days, some have taken to a more aggressive means of protest at the Legislative Yuan—blocking legislators from entering or leaving freely, congregating on the main roads and tying up traffic for commuters. In the process of democratization, Premier Jiang emphasized, people must learn to express their views through democratic mechanisms, no matter how dissimilar their opinions are. As in other developed nations, Taiwan has a great amount of respect for freedom of speech and freedom of assembly. Hence the premier hopes demonstrators will not resort to forceful actions that might violate the rights of other citizens or cause public disorder. The government will be patient and resolute in maintaining social harmony and stability.
The premier asked the Ministry of the Interior, Ministry of Justice and related agencies to do more to protect public authority and restore people's faith in public security. The agencies should also ensure the effective implementation of the rule of law, taking firm action against unlawful and disorderly behavior and demonstrating the government's determination to maintain peace and harmony in Taiwan's society, said the premier.