Taipei Labor Official Returns to Work After Attack|賴香伶今復工 籲修法杜絕違法公司承包派遣

Taipei City Department of Labor Commissioner Lai Hsiang-lin returned to work after she was attacked inside the Taipei City government by a disgruntled former dispatch worker. She said she is nearly fully recovered after receiving 11 stitches and recuperating for a few days. Despite her injury, Lai said she will step up her dialogue with the central government, hoping to put an end to the misuse of dispatch workers.


Taipei City Department of Labor Commissioner Lai Hsiang-lin returned to work on Nov. 6, less than one week after being attacked by a disgruntled former dispatch worker. The bruising and swelling around her left eye were still visible, although she no longer sported a bandage. She attended a municipal administrative meeting, the last one before the upcoming local elections. Lai thanked her colleagues for their concern.

I am more or less fully recovered, so I came to work. What concerns me more is there are many colleagues who are front-line like we are, as well as social workers and service personnel. With regards to the social safety net, we can try to work harder to show concern for it, or for our own colleagues.

CPC Corporation, Taipei Metro and Taipei Veterans General Hospital have all had outsourcing scandals that infringe upon the rights of laborers!

Li Ming-yan attacked Lai with a steel bar in her office on Oct. 31 over his dissatisfaction with the current situation of outsourced and dispatched workers. Many of the companies that dispatch workers to the government or state-run enterprises have been found in violation of the Labor Standards Act and fined, but are still allowed to bid for contracts. Lai required 11 stitches, and Li was arrested on Nov. 1 and has remained in detention since. He has been described as a "lone bird" activist. Lai said she will work to reinforce the social safety net, as well as step up discussions with the central government over the Government Procurement Act and dispatch workers.

In terms of procurement, is there a way to ensure that unscrupulous or badly-managed companies won't have the qualifications (to bid)? As for labor guarantees, we can step up dialogue on issues such as whether dispatch workers can become formal workers or requiring their employers to directly offer the same employment conditions in accordance with the Labor Standards Act.

Numerous labor unions and organizations sent flowers to Lai following the attack to wish her a speedy recovery. Lai's staff say their office has always been open to the public to allow people to make complaints and discuss issues. They have no plans to remove desks and chairs. However, they may install a key card entry system for Lai's office to ensure her personal safety.