Global Effort Helps Win Pact for Taiwan Workers

Citing support from CWA and unions around the world, the Chunghwa Telecom Workers Union announced a new collective bargaining agreement with Chunghwa Telecom in Taiwan that provides key safeguards for members in the aftermath of the company's privatization.

CWA and the AFL-CIO played a major role in focusing the attention of U.S. investors and the public on potential problems of the stock sale and supported the 28,000 Chunghwa workers in their fight for fairness.

In addition to building support from the international labor community, the Chunghwa workers went on strike in August and CTWU officers conducted a hunger strike to spotlight the negative effects of the privatization plan on longtime, loyal workers.

CTWU President Chang Hsu-chung outlined the contract's gains for members, which include no pay cuts or layoffs over the next five years; additional bonuses and dividends; a requirement for negotiation and agreement by labor and management over changes resulting from new legislation; and continued tuition subsidies for workers' children, among others.