CLA says labor pact with Thailand will improve ties

The Council of Labor Affairs yesterday said that the newly signed direct-hiring pact with Thailand and the seventh bilateral labor conference will provide for closer cooperation on worker affairs than ever.

"The direct-hiring agreement set up a new communication channel for the two governments. We'll be able to exchange opinions on each other's policies more frequently, which will make for closer cooperation," said Kuo Fong-yu (郭芳煜), director of the council's Employment and Vocational Training Administration (EVTA).

Kuo the comments at the council's first press conference since he and Chairwoman Chen Chu (陳菊) returned from Bangkok Tuesday night.

Thailand the third country to sign a direct-hiring agreement with Taipei, following Vietnam and the Philippines.

With the agreement, employers will be able to recruit Thai workers directly through the Thailand Trade and Economic Office in Taipei, which will make it easier for prospective employees to avoid the exorbitant brokerage fees of almost NT$16,000.

Kuo the agreement will be implemented after Thai government completes its mechanism regarding workers' finances.

He said that since the hiring process would be between the two governments, the channel will be more efficient, although employers will still be able to recruit workers through original channels, such as brokerage agencies.

"This is just a new option for Taiwanese employers. They are totally free to choose which way is best for them," Kuo said.

Chen invited to witness the signing of the agreement, a ceremony that had been postponed from August after the Thai government refused to grant her a visa at the time.

Chen the press conference that she was pleased that the pact was finally signed and "with the seriousness the Thai government has dealt with the issue."

While signing ended the row triggered by Bangkok's initial refusal to issue Chen a visa, Kuo said that the council would start going through the backlog of some 5,000 employment applications right away. He said that in the future applications would be proceeded within seven days.

The EVTA has extended the applications' process from 35 days to 70 days because of the diplomatic row.

There are about 11,7000 Thai workers in Taiwan, or about 38 percent of the foreign workforce.

To decrease the financial burden on migrant workers, the council has promoted direct-hiring agreements with countries that export workers. An agreement was signed with Vietnam in 1999 and with the Philippines in 2000.

The council is negotiating a similar pact with Indonesia.