TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Two Control Yuan (監察院) members called Monday (Oct. 27) for an investigation into labor rights abuses in Taiwan's textile industry. Chi Hui-jung (紀惠容) and Wang Yu-ling (王幼玲) based their concerns on a February report by U.S. nonprofit Transparentem (透明組織) highlighting widespread migrant worker exploitation.
Chi and Wang emphasized the report's findings, which exposed violations of fair employment principles by recruitment agencies. They applied for an automatic investigation to determine whether relevant authorities developed concrete countermeasures. The members stressed the importance of understanding root causes and ensuring industry compliance to prevent forced labor.
The investigation seeks to address violations of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (經濟社會文化權利國際公約), specifically Articles 6, 7, and 9. These articles concern work rights, fair working conditions, and social security protections. Chi and Wang noted resolving these issues is crucial for maintaining Taiwan's international image and protecting migrant worker rights.
The Control Yuan is one of Taiwan's five branches of power, serving as the supervisory and auditory branch that monitors government operations and investigates misconduct. Similar to ombudsman institutions in other countries, but with broader powers including impeachment authority. It's unique among world democracies as a separate constitutional branch dedicated solely to government oversight. ◼