TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Chunghwa Express Co. announced on Wednesday (Dec. 27) that it plans to address the pressing issues of performance bonuses and collective agreements during an upcoming board meeting.
Director Welson Hsueh revealed that the primary objective behind this move is to reach a resolution in the ongoing labor disputes and preempt potential strikes that loom over the company.
Chunghwa Express's labor union had previously issued warnings of sustained protest actions and strikes leading up to the Jan. 13 presidential election if the company fails to commit to a collective agreement.
The protracted labor conflict, ignited last year by grievances related to low wages and performance bonuses, continues to sow discord within the organization.
Recent events saw union members stage a sit-in protest at the campaign headquarters of Lai Ching-te, the Democratic Progressive Party's presidential candidate. The protest culminated in the intervention of riot police, who forcibly dispersed the demonstrators.
While the specifics of the discussions at the forthcoming board meeting remain undisclosed, the union expressed optimism that a swift agreement on collective terms can be reached to safeguard the long-term rights of the employees.
In the event that the board solely considers the provision of annual performance bonuses, the union has unequivocally stated its opposition to such a course of action. They have pledged to intensify their protests and initiate strikes in the run-up to the voting day on Jan. 13.
The looming specter of a strike has the potential to disrupt the distribution of checks and documents at 1,400 local bank branches in the lead-up to the Lunar New Year.