TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Labor Minister Ho Pei-shan (何佩珊) submitted her verbal resignation on Wednesday (Nov. 20) over a civil servant's suicide and bullying by his superior. 

On Monday, Ho denied abusive behavior by Hsieh I-jung (謝宜容), the Work Development Agency's northern branch director, had led to the suicide of a 39-year-old employee surnamed Wu (吳). However, Ho said Hsieh would be demoted. 

During a press briefing following Thursday's Cabinet meeting, reporters asked whether Ho had submitted a written resignation or a verbal one. Cabinet Spokesperson Li Hui-chih (李慧芝) said Ho was occupied at the Legislative Yuan Wednesday and did not meet with Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰), but she had tendered her verbal resignation.

However, Li said that Cho instructed Ho to complete the investigation into accountability before discussing her resignation. In addition, Li said Cho hopes that all known workplace bullying cases that have been reported or exposed will be dealt with as soon as possible and explained to the public.  

MOL announced Wednesday evening that Hsieh had been dismissed after being issued two major demerits. WDA Director-General Tsai Meng-liang (蔡孟良), received one major demerit and Ho removed him from his supervisory role.

Lee Yen-ling (李燕玲), deputy director of the northern regional office, received two warnings and Liu Li-li (劉麗利), the office's chief secretary, received one minor demerit. 

Those experiencing thoughts of suicide should immediately seek help by calling the Taiwan Suicide Prevention Center at 1925, or the Taiwan Lifeline International at 1995. Foreign residents can call the Community Services Center at 02-2836-8134 (business hours) or 0932-594-578 (after hours).