中運企業工會

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International Version

10.09 / 2024

Labor Contract Dispute Unresolved! Over 300 Seafarers Left Without Work as China Steel Express Union Confronts the Ministry of Labor

https://udn.com/news/story/7266/8280506

October 9, 2024

United Daily News Reporter: Yeh Guan-yu, Taipei

Hundreds of China Steel Express Union members protested today, storming the front gates of the Ministry of Labor.

Since late July, China Steel Express (CSE) has cut off Taiwan seafarers’ labor insurance and health insurance, delaying their reassignment to ships. This action forces them out of job, pushing over 300 families into financial hardship. Today, hundreds of union members protested at the Ministry of Labor, demanding a labor inspection, recognition of indefinite employment contracts, and reinstatement of both insurances. The protest escalated into a violent clash, with protesters pushing and shoving at the ministry's entrance.

The CSE Union has a long-standing dispute with the company over whether employment contracts should be fixed term or indefinite. After over a hundred seafarers’ insurances were cut off in July, their reassignment to ship duties has yet to happen. At the end of July, the Bureau of Labor Insurance indirectly acknowledged the insurance termination in its communication with CSE. The union argues that determining the nature of labor contracts is the Ministry of Labor’s responsibility, but the ministry has avoided its duty by advising the filing of ineffective lawsuits with local authorities, thereby aiding CSE in exploiting the seafarers.

Union member Chen Bo-qian pointed out that it’s been over 100 days since the seafarers' insurance was cut off, yet the Ministry of Labor has not intervened. He questioned why Minister of Labor Ho Pei-shan, who was once sentenced for advocating for laid-off female workers in Kaohsiung 35 years ago, is now failing to support these oppressed workers despite having the opportunity to do the right thing.

Wang Ching-hong, chairman of the CSE Union, stated that many seafarers left their families behind during the pandemic to work at sea, generating NT$2-3 billion annual revenue for CSE. Yet the company top executives enjoy these profits while leaving these seafarers in financial distress. Wang called on the Minister of Labor to act consistently, support the workers, and recognize indefinite employment contracts. He further warned that today's protest is just the beginning, and the union may move the protest to Ketagalan Boulevard tomorrow, on National Day, to appeal directly to President Lai Ching-te.

A Ministry of Labor official responded to the union’s demands by reiterating respect for the law and court rulings, prompting frequent interruptions from union members. Chen Bo-qian emphasized a precedent 3 years ago when the Ministry proactively determined the employment relationship between delivery workers and platforms. The union demands that the Ministry to initiate a labor inspection and clarify the employment relationship between CSE and the seafarers.

Dissatisfied with the official's response, over 100 protesters shouted, "Return our right to work!" and clashed with police at the entrance of the Ministry of Labor, creating a tense scene.

Wang Hou-wei, Director of the Department of Labor Relations, explained that since the labor contract dispute between CSE and the seafarers is still being litigated in court. Therefore, the ministry cannot compel the company to reinstate insurance during the lawsuit. However, the Ministry can provide legal aid assistance if needed.

Wang further noted that the ministry has assisted both sides during negotiations and urged the company to treat the seafarers fairly and resolve their disputes through dialogue. He emphasized that the Ministry has received the union’s complaints and will address any labor law violations. A labor inspection will be conducted if needed, and violations will be penalized. However, due to the unique nature of seafarers' employment, if work-related rights involve seafarer-specific regulations, the Ministry will refer the matter to the Ministry of Transportation and Communications for further action.

Regarding the impact on seafarers' right to work, Wang stated that the Ministry will request a list of union members. If any Taiwanese seafarers are willing to work but have not been assigned, the ministry will ask CSE to prioritize job assignments, ensuring employment protection for domestic workers.

Since late July, CSE cut off labor and health insurance for Taiwanese seafarers and delayed their reassignment to ships, forcing them out of their jobs and leaving over 300 families in financial distress. Hundreds of union members protest at the Ministry of Labor, demanding the acknowledgment of indefinite contracts.

Hundreds of union members gathered in front of the Ministry of Labor, demanding that the Minister Ho Pei-shan to step forward and resolve the issue.