Published: November 7, 2025
A group of Filipino migrant workers, joined by Taiwanese labor rights organizations, staged a protest in front of Taiwan’s Ministry of Labor on Friday morning, calling for an investigation into alleged forced labor practices at Taibo Technology, a well-known local medical device manufacturer.
The protesters submitted a formal petition urging the government to look into what they described as unfair and exploitative labor management policies. According to the Taibo Company Union, the firm enforces a strict set of internal rules called the “Guidelines for the Management of Foreign Colleagues,” which reportedly include fines, restrictions on workers’ movements, and discriminatory treatment of pregnant employees.
Allegations of Forced Labor and Discrimination
Union representatives accused the company of committing 12 major labor violations, such as charging unauthorized agency and conversion fees, imposing salary deposits before home leave, and forcing pregnant workers to end their contracts and return home.
Some migrant workers claimed they were required to pay a “conversion fee” when transferred from another factory, while others said they had to leave a one-month salary deposit before being allowed to go on vacation. Several women also reported being pressured to resign after becoming pregnant.
Union Suppression Alleged
In response to ongoing grievances, a group of migrant workers organized a labor union in August and filed a formal labor dispute against the company. However, according to the union, Taibo allegedly retaliated by pressuring members to withdraw, refusing to renew contracts of union leaders, and continuing to collect illegal intermediary fees from new recruits.
The workers and their supporters argued that despite Taibo Technology’s presence in several European and American markets, its treatment of migrant employees in Taiwan is “inhumane” and inconsistent with international labor standards. They urged the company to respect workers’ rights and improve its management policies.
Government Response
As of press time, Taibo Technology had not issued a statement regarding the allegations.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Labor said it had received the petition and would launch an investigation into the matter. The agency added that if the claims are verified, it would penalize those responsible in accordance with Taiwanese labor laws.