Labor advocates and migrant workers have intensified protests in Taiwan last week, March 16 over an ongoing dispute at TaiDoc Technology Corporation, a medical tehcnology company, calling out both TaiDoc and Philippine government representatives for actions that undermine workers’ rights.
The dispute escalated when the company dismissed six union officials the day after the union’s third protest over the firing of its leader. TaiDoc chairman Chen Chao-wang reportedly offered to reinstate the six officials during a video conference, but only if they quit the union, a condition the workers rejected. They were then forced out of their dormitories the following day.
In Taipei, demonstrators gathered outside the Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO), accusing officials of siding with company management after issuing a March 10 letter that, according to the union, dismissed labor violations already confirmed by local authorities. Union leaders said MECO met with company representatives but failed to consult workers before releasing its statement.
“Several months ago, when our dignity was trampled by inhumane dormitory rules, we sought help from MECO,” said Joanna Rose of the TaiDoc Technology Labor Union. “[Their] only response was to tell us to ‘just resign.’”
Meanwhile in New Taipei City, union members staged another protest, one of at least five in recent months, urging authorities to freeze TaiDoc’s migrant worker hiring quota and deny the company a required certification declaring no labor law violations.
“We’re here today to urge the New Taipei City government not to issue TaiDoc any further certificates,” said labor and migrants rights advocate Lennon Wang, arguing that such measures would push the company to “comply with the law and negotiate with the union.”
City officials confirmed that the company is currently ineligible for the certification due to the ongoing labor dispute and the possibility of strike action. Authorities also noted that the dismissal of union leaders raises “a high suspicion of illegality” and is under investigation as a potential unfair labor practice.
Labor groups say the dispute reflects broader patterns of retaliation and intimidation faced by migrant workers organizing for better conditions. “You cannot deport the truth, and you cannot erase our demand for justice,” said Migrante Taiwan chair Gilda Banugan.
As investigations continue and pressure mounts, workers are calling for accountability, reinstatement of dismissed union leaders, and stronger protections for migrant labor rights.
