TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Askey Computer Corp., a subsidiary of ASUSTeK Computer Inc., faced accusations on Thursday (Sept. 21) of exploiting foreign immigrant workers. The company is accused of relocating its Taoyuan factory to Vietnam due to a lack of orders, a move that could cost employees significantly.
Earlier that day, the joint union of Askey and ASUSTeK staged a protest at the Syntrend Creative Park, demanding the computer companies take action, accusing Askey of evading the payment of severance fees.
The company allegedly took several measures to save on severance fees, including withholding intermediary fees, averaging nearly NT＄70,000 per worker.
The union argued that Askey asked workers to move out of their dormitories in March but failed to detail the new methodology for calculating electricity bills, resulting in higher fees for the migrant workers. Starting from May, the union claimed, the company has allegedly encouraged workers to change employers.
Wang Ying-ta, the union's general secretary, lashed out at ASUSTeK, stating, "ASUSTeK is a sweatshop firm that irresponsibly allows its subsidiary to employ improper methods to evade legal responsibility."
Amid these allegations, the union added that some machinery has already been removed from the company's Taoyuan factory.
