TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The Control Yuan (監察院), Taiwan's government watchdog agency, launched an investigation Friday (Oct. 3) into regulatory oversight of labor rights following U.S. sanctions against Giant Group (巨大集團). U.S. Customs and Border Protection issued a Withhold Release Order Sept. 24 banning the Taiwanese bicycle manufacturer's products from U.S. imports over forced labor allegations.
Control Yuan members Wang Yu-Ling (王幼玲) and Lai Chen-chang (賴振昌) identified five forced labor indicators against Giant Group as defined by the International Labour Organization. The allegations include exploitation of vulnerable situations, harsh working conditions, debt bondage, wage withholding, and excessive overtime. Officials emphasized the labor rights allegations have significantly damaged Taiwan's international reputation.
The sanctions against the Taiwanese bike manufacturer underscore urgent need for labor rights improvements, Control Yuan members stated. The allegations reveal persistent shortcomings in Taiwan's labor and human rights protections. The investigation will examine Taiwanese companies' awareness of labor rights policies and regulatory oversight ensuring workers remain free from forced labor. ◼