TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Union leaders and legislators from all major political parties called on the government to allow civil servants to form unions on Thursday (Nov. 21) after a labor ministry employee died of suicide at work in early November.

The National Federation of Teachers Unions, Taiwan Federation of Financial Unions, Confederation of Taipei Trade Unions, Kaohsiung Confederation of Trade Unions, and other groups held a press conference in Taipei and issued several demands, per CNA.

They called for civil servants to be allowed to form trade unions, more thorough investigations and harsher punishment for workplace bullying. They also asked for better processes for employees to raise complaints and improved screening of supervisors.

Taiwan’s civil servants are legally prohibited from forming unions and are instead allowed to create “civil servant associations.” According to the law, these associations may make collective recommendations, but cannot strike or enter into collective agreements or negotiations with their employers.

Labor Minister Ho Pei-shan (何佩珊) said she would resign on Wednesday (Nov. 20) and Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) apologized for the death of the labor ministry employee at work on Nov. 4. An investigation found the employee’s death was the result of overwork and the actions of a supervisor contributed to their stress.

National Federation of Teachers Unions Chair Hou Chun-liang (侯俊良) criticized the labor ministry for allowing bullying within its ranks when it is the agency responsible for protecting workers. He said the results of the labor ministry investigation into the death were surprising as they did not show clear proof of bullying.

DPP Legislator Liu Chien-kuo (劉建國) said allowing civil servants to form unions is “imperative.” He said it was difficult to imagine the situation for laborers in Taiwan if bullying had been allowed to occur in the public sector.

KMT Legislator Tu Chuan-chi (涂權吉) said the process used to promote a supervisor involved in the case should be investigated. A supervisor at the office where the employee died was fired on Wednesday (Nov. 20) after an investigation found she had been verbally abusive to staff.

TPP Legislator Chen Gau-tzu (陳昭姿) said she hoped the worker’s death would be a turning point for the government. “If workers cannot be guaranteed dignity at work, how can we expect them to give their all?” she said.

If you or someone you know is experiencing thoughts of suicide, please seek help immediately. You can call the Taiwan Suicide Prevention Center at 1925, or the Taiwan Lifeline International at 1995 (English and Mandarin service available).

The Community Services Center hotline is available for foreign residents at 02-2836-8134 (business hours) or 0932-594-578 (after hours).