Taiwan working to align labor policies with int'l standards: Minister

Brussels, June 19 (CNA) Taiwan is working to align its labor policies with evolving international standards, particularly in the areas of gig worker protections and labor rights in global supply chains, Labor Minister Hung Sun-han (洪申翰) said during a visit to Brussels this week.

Speaking on the sidelines of the 7th EU-Taiwan Labor Consultation Meeting on Wednesday, Hung said Taiwan's recently enacted law governing food delivery platforms reflects many of the principles currently being promoted internationally to safeguard the rights of platform workers.

The law, which is scheduled to take effect in July, includes measures aimed at strengthening protections for delivery workers, including fair treatment, workplace safety and access to social insurance, Hung told CNA.

He said labor challenges associated with the platform economy are a global issue rather than unique to Taiwan, adding that the country's legislative approach shares many of the same objectives as emerging international standards on platform work.

According to Hung, officials and experts attending the consultation meeting expressed interest in Taiwan's efforts to establish a legal framework for platform workers and exchanged views on how to balance worker protections with industry flexibility and innovation.

He emphasized that meaningful dialogue among governments, businesses, workers and consumers is essential to building consensus on increasingly complex labor issues.

Beyond the platform economy, labor rights in global supply chains were another key focus of the meeting, Hung said.

Concerns over forced labor and labor rights are no longer solely human rights issues, but have also become important considerations in international trade and supply chain management, he added.

As Taiwan assumes a larger role in global supply chains, the government is working to strengthen labor protections while helping businesses adapt to international expectations, Hung said.

The government's objectives are to help companies reduce trade-related risks associated with labor compliance and to support industries in meeting international standards while keeping additional costs manageable, he noted.

Taiwan has introduced guidance and support measures to promote fair recruitment practices and strengthen labor rights protections, he said, adding that the efforts require close coordination across multiple government agencies.

In Taipei, the Ministry of Labor said in a statement released on Friday that the consultations also covered the impact of artificial intelligence on employment and labor shortages linked to demographic changes.

Both sides agreed to deepen exchanges, with the next EU-Taiwan Labor Consultation Meeting scheduled to be held in Taipei in 2027, it said.