Government’s Department of Labor and Transportation jointly held an awards ceremony for exemplary workers today (25th) at the multipurpose assembly hall of the city hall. Mayor Hou Yu-yi personally presented awards to 171 exemplary workers, 60 outstanding drivers, and 16 excellent labor unions, thanking the 247 representatives for their dedication and innovation, making New Taipei City visible on the international stage.

Representing the 2.08 million workers of New Taipei City, Huang Wen-xiang, Chairman of the Municipal General Union, took the lead in speaking. In addition to praising Mayor Hou’s excellent performance from the perspective of a lifelong resident of Yonghe for over 50 years, he commended the active promotion of major infrastructure projects and the construction of sports centers, enhancing the physical fitness and health of workers. He also congratulated all the award recipients for being exemplary figures in their respective fields of labor.

Mayor Hou Yu-yi stated in his speech that the economy and development of New Taipei City are driven by the efforts of its workers. He emphasized the importance of providing better care and welfare for workers, reaffirming his three major labor policy promises made during the election: “increasing wages for workers while reducing taxes for businesses,” “constructing rental-only worker housing,” and “establishing a national holiday on Labor Day (May 1st).” He expressed hope that the government could fulfill these promises as soon as possible, stating, “The hope for Taiwan’s future lies in New Taipei,” and extended his gratitude to all the hardworking workers.
Among the exemplary workers selected this time is Cheng Qiuyue, who has worked at the Sanxia Plant of Tatung Company for over 30 years. She can be considered a rare presence in the traditional heavy industry, predominantly male-dominated, especially in large motor and motor production lines. As the only woman in her department, she is petite in stature, sweating profusely under her safety helmet. She wryly remarks that this is what is commonly referred to as the “3K” (dangerous, hard, dirty) traditional industry. Nowadays, young people are less inclined to enter, and even if they do, it’s challenging to retain them. Having spent most of her youth in the factory, she considers the factory her home and her colleagues her family. As a union representative, she actively assists in advocating for workers’ rights and fighting for labor rights.

Starting from the grassroots, Lan Ruichun has been working in the field of group meals for over 20 years and is currently the administrative team leader at Tongxian Company. Despite suffering permanent leg injuries from a car accident a few years ago, she still personally participates in every aspect of the work, from arriving early to leaving late, without complaining about her physical limitations. During the COVID-19 pandemic, due to difficulties in recruiting manpower and an increase in employee infections, resulting in a manpower shortage on the production line, Ruichun took on leadership responsibilities. Fearless of hardship, she commuted by motorcycle from Tucheng to Zhonghe, Sanxia, and other areas to support the production lines. Always maintaining an optimistic and positive attitude, she expressed her love for this job, seeing it not only as a means of maintaining economic livelihood but also as a social responsibility to ensure food safety.

In addition, 10 foreign workers were selected as exemplary migrant workers, among whom Du Shiliang from Vietnam has been working in Taiwan for nearly 6 years. He serves as a life service worker at the Leshan Care Home, demonstrating keen observation and judgment skills. He cares for residents with physical and mental disabilities meticulously, promptly addressing their needs and physical conditions. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he willingly took care of residents who were isolated due to diagnosis, easing the manpower shortage within the facility at that time.

Thank you to all the distinguished guests who participated in today’s award ceremony, including Councilor Ma Jian, Municipal Government Consultants Shen Canghai, Xu Liangpin, and Chen Jixiong, as well as the five major labor unions of New Taipei City (Chairman Huang Wenxiang of the General Union, Chairman Hong Qingfu of the Industrial General Union, Chairman You Liyu of the Vocational General Union, Chairman Wang Qingyun of the General Workers Union, and Chairman Lin Fengxiang of the Industrial and Vocational Joint General Union). Special thanks also to Chairwoman Lin Meiyu of the Taxi Passenger Transport Industry Association, Deputy Director Lin Lizhu of the Transportation Bureau, Director Lin Weiqian of the Indigenous Peoples Bureau, Commissioner Mira Caliandra from the Labor Department of the Indonesian Economic and Trade Representative Office in Taipei, and Director Cesar L. Chavez Jr. from the Labor Center of the Manila Economic and Cultural Office. Additionally, Vice Speaker Chen Hongyuan, Councilors Lin Guochun, Dai Xiangyi, Liu Meifang, and Zeng Huanjia, as well as representatives from the New Taipei City Industrial Association, were also present to extend their regards. The Department of Labor extends its gratitude to everyone involved.

Labor Bureau Director Chen Ruijia stated that the bureau will continue to promote various initiatives to assist youth employment, encourage middle-aged and elderly individuals to continue working, and create a happy working environment in New Taipei City. Additionally, to show appreciation for hardworking laborers, from now until May 10th, at 26 blind massage locations in the city, customers can enjoy a 100 NTD discount on weekdays regardless of the amount spent. Each location has limited daily quotas, so everyone is encouraged to participate. For more information, please visit the “New Taipei Labor Cloud/Latest News” section. The Labor Bureau will also launch a series of activities for Labor Day, including “2024 Taiwan-Vietnam Harmony in New Taipei,” labor-related seminars, and campus recruitment events. Everyone is welcome to participate enthusiastically. Contributor: Labor Organization Section, Yang Minxiong, Ext. 6310, ID: 29603456For more information, please contact the Head of the Labor Organization Section, Wu Yanlin, Ext. 6300, ID: 29603456.