Chunghwa Telecom union may form new political party

In a recent CTWU board of directors meeting, Chang was appointed to establish a new political party for the purpose of representing members of all workers’ unions around the country, including teachers’ unions, in the legislature.

According to Chang, members of national federations of different industries from around the island, as well as the CTWU and the Formosa Plastics Workers’ Union, met July 19 for a preparatory meeting to form what is tentatively called the "Workers Solidarity Union." Chang stressed that it is still too early to confirm whether the current party name will hold. Another possibility is the “Third Force Reform Union."

Representatives from each union are expected to meet again on August 21 when the party might be formally established, said Chang.

Regardless of the name, the workers' party will make it easier for workers to advance and protect their rights and interests. Once established, the party will campaign for a nationwide referendum to add a workers’ version of the annuity policy to Executive Yuan’s current annuity policy, ban dispatch workers, and guarantee stabilized employment opportunities, Chang remarked.

Chang confirmed that the workers party has received NT$10 million in funding, which is enough for the party to field 10 of its members in the next legislative election slated for Jan. 12, 2008.

Political analysts said the prospective workers' party could potentially control substantial political sway if Taiwan's 8.6 million workers join its ranks.

Chen Jie, a Changhua County legislator, said that establishing a party “is no easy task and will take some time.” He added that he welcomed and encouraged its establishment if the party is to be formed in the interest of workers by increasing their rights and benefits.

Another lawmaker, Lai Hsing-yuan, echoed Chen’s views of approval for the establishment of a workers party by calling it “a very good thing,” but added that it was still too soon to say whether the party can be successfully established. The workers themselves must bravely speak out for their own rights for the establishment of the party to be possible. “Otherwise, what is the significance of just applying for a workers party with the Ministry of the Interior?"

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