SARS could force layoffs

LABOR CATASTROPHE One of the hardest-hit and most helpless victims of SARS will be employees of Taiwan's travel industry

By Joyce Huang / STAFF REPORTER

However, the director of the council's Labor Relations Department, Lee Lai-hsi (李來希), yesterday advised companies which are planning mass layoffs to immediately submit a proposal and prepare for negotiations with laid-off staff to avoid any labor disputes and a sudden impact on society.

"Businesses should treat labor as assets, not a liability," Lee said.