After persistent resistance and demands from China Steel Express Union (CSEU) the Maritime Port Bureau has finally agreed to establish a template for indefinite  employment contracts for seafarers in accordance with the law. However, based on the draft received by the union, the content is simply outrageous and shocking: many provisions in the draft violate the Labor Standards Act and the Civil Code, creating a concept where seafarers do not have to work onshore and ship-owners do not have to pay them. What is the difference between this and fixed-term employment contracts? How did the Bureau come up with a version that is even worse and provides less protection for seafarers than fixed-term contracts?

Moreover, they have set a deadline of April 21 this year for feedback. It is rushed and hasty to sell out the rights and interests of seafarers. Does the Bureau intend for Taiwanese seafarers not to sign indefinite contracts and continue to be exploited as laborers under fixed-term contracts?

The union hereby urges the Bureau not to become a tool for the employers. Please formulate the contract template based on the provisions of the Seafarer Act, the Labor Standards Act, and the Civil Code. Do not create concepts that are not present in labor laws and undermine the protection provided by indefinite contracts to seafarers. The indefinite employment contract template should comply with the spirit of ensuring continuity of employment as stipulated in the Labor Standards Act. Only by ensuring stable employment for domestic seafarers can we shape a favorable working environment for them and achieve sustainable development in our maritime industry. The Bureau should stand with the vulnerable seafarers, which is the path that the government should take!