Workplace Bullying Chapter in Occupational Safety Law Takes Effect July; Rights Groups Urge Swift Budget Approval

Taiwan's Occupational Safety and Health Act is set to introduce a new chapter on workplace bullying, effective next month, aiming to protect the physical and mental well-being of frontline workers. Labor Minister Hong Shen-han recently clarified that workplace bullying is not solely based on an employee's subjective feelings but must meet specific conditions to be legally established. However, civil society groups are concerned that the central government's budget has not yet been approved, potentially limiting the supervisory capacity of relevant authorities. They are urging swift passage of the budget to fully support the Ministry of Labor's policies promoting labor rights. Representatives from organizations including the Taiwan Association for Human Rights, TTNC Watch, and the Taiwan Public Opinion Foundation held a press conference to advocate for stronger protections. They called for improved corporate education and training, increased labor inspection resources, and consistent application of ESG principles by Taiwanese companies. Taiwan Association for Human Rights deputy secretary-general Huang Hui-yu highlighted that while the revised law defines workplace bullying and mandates complaint mechanisms for larger companies, the implementation faces challenges due to corporate culture, insufficient training, and limited union autonomy. She urged increased publicity for the new law and enhanced labor inspection resources. Shih Yi-hsiang, a researcher at the Taiwan Association for Human Rights and member of TTNC Watch, cited past cases involving foreign workers to point out loopholes in Taiwanese companies' protection of migrant labor rights. He stressed the growing reliance on foreign workers and called on economic and labor authorities to actively combat discrimination and fulfill human rights commitments under the "U.S.-Taiwan 21st Century Trade Initiative."

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Workplace bullying is not based on an employee's subjective feelings but requires specific conditions to be established.

Chang Hung-lin, CEO of the Citizen Congress Watch, emphasized that with 800,000 foreign workers in Taiwan, particularly in manufacturing and caregiving, the government's legislative efforts are commendable. However, he criticized the delay in approving the 2026 central government budget, warning it could set a precedent for reviewing two fiscal years simultaneously. He accused lawmakers of obstructing the budget process and urged the Legislative Yuan to pass it promptly, stating that delaying it is against the public interest.

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The revised law formally defines 'workplace bullying' and establishes complaint and management mechanisms for companies with 10 or more employees.