A new investigation by the Ministry of Labor into the work environment at the Workforce Development Agency’s (WDA) northern branch has found that its leadership fostered a high-pressure and unfriendly work environment, Minister of Labor Hung Sun-han (洪申翰) said yesterday, in a turnaround from its previous investigation.
On Nov. 4, an agency employee surnamed Wu (吳) was found dead of apparent suicide in the agency’s office building in New Taipei City, sparking speculation on social media saying that bullying by his supervisor, former WDA northern branch director Hsieh Yi-jung (謝宜容), had driven him to take his own life.
However, a previous investigation by the ministry attributed Wu’s death to an “excessive workload,” “too much stress” and a “lack of support,” but concluded that it was not directly caused by Hsieh’s management style.
Photo: Tu Chien-jung, Taipei Times
Hung announced the three main findings of the new investigation: Hsieh’s management style was inappropriate, Wu was bullied, and Wu’s decision to take his life is linked to his workplace experiences.
Hsieh’s management style was intimidating and put subordinates under continuous high pressure, he said.
Wu was overworked and under even more pressure from Hsieh, he said.
As Wu was responsible for managing all information technology and cybersecurity tasks, he was overwhelmed and overburdened by his assignments, leading to sleep deprivation and exhaustion, he said.
Records show that Wu arrived at work as early as 4am or 5am and that he had told colleagues that he would kill himself if he could not complete his tasks, Hung said.
The investigation is in its final stages and the ministry is to release the results this week, he said, adding that the goal was to understand Wu’s situation and how he made that decision.
Corruption allegations against Hsieh are not within the scope of the investigation, the minister added.
Meanwhile, the New Taipei City District Prosecutors’ Office and the Ministry of Justice Investigation Bureau on Tuesday conducted searches at 22 locations, including WDA’s northern branch, Hsieh’s residence, offices and the homes of other individuals.
The prosecutors yesterday morning filed for the court’s permission to detain Hsieh and hold her incommunicado for alleged workplace bullying and five other suspected offenses, including embezzling public funds. They also brought in 22 others related to the cases for questioning.
The New Taipei City District Court yesterday afternoon ruled to detain Hsieh and hold her incommunicado.
Additional reporting by CNA
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