Dear brothers,

 

Today, on the twelfth day of the first lunar month, I extend New Year greetings to all. Our distinguished lecturers for today are Mr. Luo Weijun, former Taoyuan City Government Labor Bureau employee and current secretary of the Taoyuan International Airport Service Labor Union, holding a master's degree in Human Resources from National Central University. We also have Teacher Ba Fang Jixiang, a prominent figure in the maritime industry, who progressed from a ship intern to a captain with extensive experience in various vessels, including oil tankers and bulk carriers. After retiring from Yang Ming, he became a professor at the Maritime and Commercial Shipping Department of National Taiwan Ocean University, teaching the latest ship management knowledge to nurture skilled newcomers in the maritime industry.

 

Mr. Luo captivated the audience by introducing an intriguing logic game, shedding light on the significance of negotiating from diverse perspectives. The key points from his lecture are summarized as follows:

 

• Negotiation, despite inherent conflicts, plays a crucial role in organizational development. Recent examples, such as the pedestrian protest, demonstrate that small-scale conflicts can contribute to overall societal progress.

 

• Distinguishing between persuasion and negotiation, Mr. Luo emphasized that negotiation involves expressing individual needs through equal discussion and consideration of both parties' positions. In contrast, persuasion tends to be one-sided and self-serving. Striking a balance and allowing the other party to make choices during negotiations fosters respect and facilitates mutually satisfactory outcomes.

 

• Effective negotiation not only resolves conflicts but also prevents parties from descending into a competitive state, steering clear of the "prisoner's dilemma" where mutual cooperation could lead to a win-win situation.

 

• Stressing the importance of pre-negotiation preparation, Mr. Luo highlighted tasks such as defining the union's core demands, setting boundaries, and developing contingency plans. He emphasized that only 20% of negotiation occurs at the negotiation table, with the remaining 80% relying on meticulous preparation.

 

In the subsequent afternoon session, Professor Ba Fang Jixiang delved into ship risk assessment, drawing on personal experiences. The key points from his discussion are summarized below:

 

• Expressing concern for seafarers engaging in risky activities without proper safety measures, Professor Ba highlighted the importance of acknowledging the rightful ownership of many aspects by seafarers, which over time have been overlooked.

 

• Comparing Taiwanese shipping companies to well-established training systems in advanced Western countries, Professor Ba underscored the inadequacy of safety procedures knowledge, leading to risky behaviors and illegal practices. He emphasized the need for companies to invest in training programs to ensure the protection of all personnel.

 

• Professor Ba commended the union's ongoing efforts, stating that what is being done now should have been implemented fifty years ago. He expressed confidence that as long as the union persists in its endeavors, Taiwan's shipping industry will eventually meet Western standards. Highlighting the importance of systemic and cultural changes, he stressed that these measures are crucial to prevent tragedies, allowing everyone to sail safely and return home to their families without fear.