The president of the Taipei-based Chinese Federation of Labor (
Federation president Lin Hui-kuan (林惠官) also called on labor union leaders from the Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia and Vietnam to make joint efforts to protect the rights and interest of their workers so that they are not exploited by their employers in Taiwan.
Lin made the appeal at the 13th Asian Regional Meeting of the International Labor Organizations (ILO) presently under way in Bangkok. "Taiwan is the only place in Asia that allows foreign workers to enjoy the same salary levels as their local counterparts, something that greatly elevates [Taiwan's] international image," Lin said.
It was the first time that a Taiwanese labor group had been invited to participate in a meeting of the organization, which is affiliated with the UN. The Chinese delegate lodged a protest over Lin's speech, as Lin mentioned the official name of the Republic of China on several occasions.
Lin and two other labor union leaders from Taiwan are taking part in the current meeting as representatives of the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions.
Lin also briefed the more-than 500 participants on the current labor situation in Taiwan and on the local labor unions' efforts at the just-concluded Economic Development Advisory Conference to ensure equal working opportunities and preserve the rights and interests of foreign workers as well as local workers.
Delegates from more than 30 countries and regions in Asia are taking part in the five-day conference at which Taiwan is being represented for the first time.
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