TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Democratic Progressive Party (DPP, 民進黨) Legislator Hung Sun-han (洪申翰) assumed the role of labor minister on Monday (Nov. 25), pledging to transform the Ministry of Labor (MOL, 勞動部) into a model of a friendly workplace and restore public trust.
During the ceremony, Minister without Portfolio Chen Shih-Chung (陳時中), who oversaw the transition as acting Minister Chen Ming-Jen (陳明仁), handed over the official seal to Hung. In his speech, Hung apologized to the family of a recently deceased employee suspected of being a victim of workplace bullying and promised to safeguard workers' rights.
He thanked Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) for trusting him with the significant responsibility of protecting the nation's labor force. Cho tasked Hung with stabilizing team morale, enhancing workplace culture, and formulating labor policies that meet societal expectations.
Hung emphasized the need to improve workplace culture and internal management within the ministry, ensuring employees work in a safe and respectful environment. He pledged to lead the ministry by starting with workers' actual needs and incorporating professional and union opinions to strengthen the ministry's support for laborers.
Hung also addressed Taiwan's aging and declining birthrate, wanting to propose flexible policies that meet contemporary needs and alleviate the struggle between work and family care. With roots in grassroots social movements, Hung vowed to stay true to his original intentions and work tirelessly with others to resolve challenges, positioning the ministry as the frontline defender of labor rights.