[Kaohsiung News] With International Workers’ Day approaching, the Kaohsiung City Government Labor Bureau presented a briefing on the city’s labor policy achievements during the municipal administrative meeting on April 21. Mayor Chen Chi-mai reminded relevant city departments to carry out joint inspections and strengthen source-based occupational safety management to ensure workplace safety for workers.
The Labor Bureau’s report highlighted five key policy pillars: establishing communication platforms, enhancing occupational safety and disaster prevention, strengthening workforce matching services, creating friendly workplaces, and fostering union vitality. According to the bureau, shortly after Mayor Chen took office in 2020, the city established the Labor Self-Governance Committee to deepen dialogue among the city government, labor representatives, and academic experts. To date, the committee has reviewed 67 proposals, covering issues such as occupational accident prevention, traffic improvements around industrial parks, and enhancement of labor education quality.
Regarding occupational safety and health, the bureau noted that through a dual approach of labor inspections and workplace guidance, the number of fatal major occupational accidents in Kaohsiung fell from 49 cases in 2020 to 24 cases in 2025, a decline of 51 %. In addition, Kaohsiung is the only special municipality in Taiwan to receive the Ministry of Labor’s Excellence Award for occupational safety performance for two consecutive evaluation cycles.
The bureau also reported that Kaohsiung’s overall unemployment rate has continued to decline, falling from 3.8% in 2020 to 3.2% in 2025, the lowest among Taiwan’s six special municipalities and a record low since the city-county merger. As demand grows for older adults to remain in the workforce, Kaohsiung became the first city in Taiwan to establish a Senior Talents Service Hub. To date, the program has successfully placed more than 4,300 individuals, developed over 11,000 age-friendly job openings, and achieved a placement rate of 44.2 %.
In promoting inclusive workplaces, the bureau cited data showing that Kaohsiung’s 12 sheltered workshops provide 169 employment opportunities. In 2025, 19 sheltered employees successfully transitioned into the open labor market, representing a transition rate of over 13 %, above the national average. From 2024 to 2025, more than 99% of businesses in the city employing over 100 workers established nursing rooms, childcare facilities, or related support measures following the city government’s guidance efforts. The bureau further added that achievements in collective bargaining agreements and union participation in public welfare initiatives also demonstrate strong labor union engagement.
To celebrate Labor Day, the Labor Bureau has planned a series of events including a walking event, job fairs, and a side-hustle entrepreneurship expo. Details are available on the Kaohsiung City Government Labor Bureau Facebook page.
Prior to the meeting, Mayor Chen also presented certificates of appreciation to representatives of ASE Technology Holding Co., Ltd. and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company in recognition of their generous sponsorship supporting the Kaohsiung Houjing Junior High School girls’ football team’s trip to Australia for competition.
Captions 1-2: The Labor Bureau presented a briefing on Kaohsiung’s labor policy achievements. Mayor Chen Chi-mai reminded relevant departments to conduct joint inspections, strengthen source-based occupational safety management, and ensure workplace safety for workers.
Captions 3-4: Mayor Chen Chi-mai presented certificates of appreciation in recognition of corporate generosity in sponsoring the Kaohsiung Houjing Junior High School girls’ football team’s trip to Australia for competition.
Captions 5-6: Members of the Kaohsiung Houjing Junior High School girls’ football team took the opportunity to happily pose for commemorative photos with Mayor Chen Chi-mai.