Introduction: Investigation Launched into Alleged Workplace Bullying at Taiwan’s Ministry of Health and Welfare
Six officials from Taiwan’s Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW) are under investigation for involvement in workplace bullying, the ministry confirmed on Friday. This comes after media reports and questions from lawmakers raised concerns about the treatment of employees within the ministry. Two of the officials have already been suspended pending the results of the ongoing investigation.
The allegations involve several high-ranking MOHW officials, including the ministry’s Secretary General, Liu Yu-chuan, and a senior inspector, surnamed Lin. The investigation aims to address claims that these officials mistreated their colleagues and created a toxic work environment.
The Investigation: Who is Involved?
The Ministry of Health and Welfare has confirmed that six officials are under investigation for bullying-related accusations. Among them, Liu Yu-chuan, the MOHW Secretary General and head of the Department of Social Insurance, and Lin, a senior inspector at the Department of Protective Services, are the most high-profile cases.
Liu Yu-chuan’s Case: Allegations from Her Tenure at NHIA
Liu Yu-chuan, who previously headed the National Health Insurance Administration (NHIA) Taipei Division, faces accusations of workplace bullying dating back to her tenure at NHIA over two years ago. There were conflicting reports regarding her behavior, which led to her removal from the role as the NHIA Division Head. Liu also took voluntary leave from her position as the secretary general after the allegations surfaced.
Lin’s Alleged Bullying: Concrete Evidence and Suspension
In contrast, there is concrete evidence against Lin, a senior official at the Department of Protective Services, who has been accused of serious bullying. The ministry stated that Lin’s conduct involved personal attacks on employees, and several individuals appeared to be targeted. As a result, Lin has been suspended immediately to ensure that the investigation can proceed without interference.
Other Officials Under Investigation
In addition to Liu and Lin, the investigation also includes four other MOHW officials. These include:
- Chen Lian-yu (陳亮妤): NHIA Deputy Director-General
- Su Chao-ju (蘇昭如): Head of the Department of Social Assistance and Social Work
- An unnamed official from the same department
- A legislative liaison official
None of these four have been suspended as the investigation is ongoing. The ministry aims to complete the investigation into all six officials within two weeks.
Additional Allegations: Workplace Bullying in Other Government Sectors
The issue of workplace bullying within Taiwan’s government institutions is not limited to the Ministry of Health and Welfare. In a separate report, another potential bullying case has emerged involving Chu Chien-fang (祝健芳), the head of the Department of Long-Term Care. Allegations suggest that Chu denied overtime pay requests from employees and imposed unusual duties, such as leading daily group squats and delivering one-minute motivational speeches.
The Ministry of Labor has also been scrutinized in connection with the recent suicide of an employee, which is believed to have been related to workplace bullying. Several other public institutions, including the National Museum of Marine Science and Technology in Keelung and the Taipei Performing Arts Center, are under investigation for similar allegations.
Key Table: MOHW Officials Under Investigation for Alleged Workplace Bullying
| Official | Position | Allegation Details | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liu Yu-chuan (劉玉娟) | MOHW Secretary General, Head of Social Insurance | Accused of bullying during her time at NHIA | Removed, on leave |
| Lin (林) | Senior Inspector, Department of Protective Services | Alleged personal attacks on staff, concrete evidence | Suspended |
| Chen Lian-yu (陳亮妤) | NHIA Deputy Director-General | Under investigation for bullying-related complaints | Not suspended |
| Su Chao-ju (蘇昭如) | Head of Department of Social Assistance & Work | Under investigation for workplace bullying | Not suspended |
| Unnamed Official | Department of Social Assistance & Work | Under investigation for workplace bullying | Not suspended |
| Legislative Liaison Official | Legislative Liaison Division | Under investigation for workplace bullying | Not suspended |
The Growing Problem of Workplace Bullying in Taiwan’s Public Sector
The ongoing investigations into workplace bullying have brought attention to a wider issue within Taiwan’s public institutions. Recently, a tragic incident involving the suicide of a Ministry of Labor employee has sparked further concern about the mental health and well-being of government workers.
In response to these alarming trends, lawmakers and the public have called for stronger policies to combat workplace bullying and provide better mental health support for public servants.
FAQs: Addressing Workplace Bullying in Taiwan’s Government
1. What officials are under investigation for workplace bullying?
Six officials from the Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW) are under investigation for allegations of workplace bullying, including high-ranking officials like Liu Yu-chuan and Lin.
2. How are the investigations being conducted?
An investigative task force, led by Deputy Health Minister Lue Jen-der, is conducting the investigation. Surveys have been sent to current and former employees to gather testimonies and identify potential victims.
3. What evidence is there against the accused officials?
Concrete evidence has been found in the case of Lin, including allegations of personal attacks on employees. However, Liu’s case involves conflicting accounts, and further investigation is underway.
4. What other cases of workplace bullying are being investigated in Taiwan?
In addition to the MOHW investigation, other government officials, including the head of the Department of Long-Term Care, are also under investigation for suspected workplace bullying.
5. How can public servants report bullying?
Public servants are encouraged to come forward with information or participate in surveys about bullying. If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, please contact Taiwan’s mental health hotlines at 1925, 1995, or 1980.
Conclusion: A Call for Action on Workplace Bullying
The investigation into workplace bullying within the Ministry of Health and Welfare is just one example of the growing problem of toxic work environments in Taiwan’s public sector. As more cases come to light, the government is under increasing pressure to address these issues and ensure that employees are treated with respect and dignity.
With the goal of improving workplace culture, it is hoped that these investigations will lead to systemic changes and stronger protections for workers across Taiwan’s public institutions.
