TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's Ministry of Labor (MOL, 勞動部) unveiled an investigative report on Tuesday (Nov. 19), concerning a suspected workplace bullying case tied to a public servant's death. Although the report found no direct bullying link, the implicated branch director was reassigned from her original position.
A 39-year-old employee of the MOL's Workforce Development Agency (勞動力發展署) Taipei-Keelung-Yilan-Hualien-Kinmen-Matsu Regional Branch (北基宜花金馬分署) tragically took their own life in the office on Nov. 4, with the body discovered the following day. Allegations against Branch Director Hsieh Yi-jung (謝宜容) surfaced on social media, igniting widespread controversy.
The MOL's inquiry included interviews with 15 colleagues and an examination of 205 anonymous letters, pointing to inappropriate leadership yet no direct link to the death. According to MOL Deputy Minister Hsu Chuan-sheng (許傳盛), "We could not prove the branch director engaged in verbal abuse or bullying."
At a press briefing, Labor Minister Ho Pei-shan (何佩珊) issued an apology, admitting that Hsieh's poor emotional management fostered a perception of workplace bullying. "Hsieh will transition to a staff role, ensuring her future assignments comply with legal standards."
Hsieh allegedly had political affiliations with former Labor Minister Hsu Ming-chun (許銘春) of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP, 民進黨), which facilitated her swift promotion to director in February 2023. In under two years, more than 80 employees resigned or left the branch due to her contentious leadership approach.
