KAOHSIUNG (TVBS News) — The China Steel Express Union (CSE Union, 中運企業工會) secured the legal right to strike on Monday (Sept. 2), marking a historic first in Taiwan's maritime industry. Union members voted overwhelmingly in favor of the strike, citing grievances over the treatment of Taiwanese seafarers.
China Steel Express (中運公司) expressed regret over the union's decision, emphasizing its status as the domestic shipping firm employing the highest proportion of Taiwanese seafarers and stated it remains open to negotiations.
The union accused the company of suppressing Taiwanese seafarers and harming their rights. On Aug. 12, union members protested at the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA, 經濟部), followed by a strike vote from Aug. 16 to Aug. 30. Out of 487 members, 413 participated, yielding an 85% turnout. Of those, 371 voted in favor, representing 90% of the voting members.
China Steel Express criticized some of the union's demands, claiming they ignored international maritime norms and overlooked the company's superior practices compared to other domestic shipping firms. The company also argued that some union demands violated corporate governance principles and were illegal.
The company called for rational communication, stating that negotiation is the path to labor harmony and protecting seafarers' rights. It reiterated its willingness to negotiate until the last moment.
Kaohsiung City's Labor Affairs Bureau (高雄市勞工局) pledged to support the union's legal right to strike while assisting in mediation efforts.