Taiwan is committed to expanding cooperation with the U.S. on labor affairs so as to help foster a fair global trading environment, according to Vice President Chen Chien-jen Nov. 26.
 
Labor protections across such areas as collective bargaining, the elimination of employment discrimination and freedom of association are core components of democracy and human rights, Chen said.
 
The government is making great strides in safeguarding workers’ rights, as evidenced by a labor affairs act that cleared the Legislature earlier this month, the vice president said. This law will pave the way for the establishment of dedicated labor courts to settle disputes and provide speedy remedies, he added.
 
Chen made the remarks while receiving a 10-member delegation of senior labor officials from U.S. federal and state governments. At the invitation of the Ministry of Labor, the group is in country through Dec. 1 on a fact-finding mission.
 
According to Chen, Taiwan and the U.S. have significantly bolstered collaborative and trade ties over the past several years. Robust relations are demonstrated by frequent exchanges, he said, citing sideline talks at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Economic Leaders’ Meeting Nov. 17 in Papua New Guinea between Morris Chang, President Tsai Ing-wen’s envoy to the summit, and U.S. Vice President Mike Pence.
 
Labor affairs are another area in which both sides can benefit from expanded cooperation, Chen said, adding that the government looks forward to concluding agreements or memorandums of understanding on related issues with the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission and Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
 
It is hoped that the visiting officials will gain a deeper understanding of the nation’s policymaking environment and help expand the scope of Taiwan-U.S. labor affairs collaboration, he added. (SFC-E)