City News
Date : 2024-11-14 Source : New Taipei City Government
New Taipei Labor Bureau Shows Concern for Foreign Fishermen in Wanli, Providing Supplies, Free Haircuts, and Massages; Indonesian and Filipino Representatives Praise Efforts
New Taipei City News: With winter approaching, the New Taipei City Labor Bureau visited the Wanli Fishery Association today (14th) to show care and support by distributing supplies like fleece hoodies and warm blankets. They also organized free haircuts and massages provided by visually-impaired massage therapists, allowing nearly a hundred fishermen working far from home to experience the warmth of Taiwanese hospitality. The Labor Bureau invited representatives from the Central Fisheries Agency, Immigration Agency, New Taipei City Police, Fishery Department, and Fishery Association. For the first time, they also invited representatives from the Indonesian and Philippine offices in Taiwan to join in showing care for the fishermen.
Labor Bureau Director Chen Ruijia explained that since 2013, the Labor Bureau has sent staff to care for workers at the five major fishery associations in New Taipei City (Jinshan, Wanli, Ruifang, Tamsui, and Gongliao) before the Lunar New Year. Previously, supplies were distributed during the harsh winter, but starting last year, distributions were scheduled earlier, before the Winter Solstice, so that workers could receive new fleece hoodies and warm blankets sooner. Additionally, the New Taipei Women’s Beauty Trade Association and Blind Massage Corner were on site to provide free haircuts and massage relief for the workers.
Given that most foreign fishermen are from Indonesia and the Philippines, the Labor Bureau invited representatives from the Indonesian Economic and Trade Office in Taipei and the Manila Economic and Cultural Office to participate. This event allowed them to show concern and better understand the work and living conditions of foreign fishermen in Taiwan.
The Labor Bureau stated that this is just the first stop in a series of care visits. Four more visits are scheduled: on 11/18 at the prayer room in Gongliao Fishery Association, on 11/21 at the Fishermen’s Recreation Center in Fuji Fishing Port, on 12/3 at the Ruifang District Fishery Association, and on 12/5 at the prayer room in the Tamsui Fishery Association. Employers and agents are encouraged to help spread the word so that fishermen can attend.
Labor Bureau Director Chen Ruijia explained that since 2013, the Labor Bureau has sent staff to care for workers at the five major fishery associations in New Taipei City (Jinshan, Wanli, Ruifang, Tamsui, and Gongliao) before the Lunar New Year. Previously, supplies were distributed during the harsh winter, but starting last year, distributions were scheduled earlier, before the Winter Solstice, so that workers could receive new fleece hoodies and warm blankets sooner. Additionally, the New Taipei Women’s Beauty Trade Association and Blind Massage Corner were on site to provide free haircuts and massage relief for the workers.
Given that most foreign fishermen are from Indonesia and the Philippines, the Labor Bureau invited representatives from the Indonesian Economic and Trade Office in Taipei and the Manila Economic and Cultural Office to participate. This event allowed them to show concern and better understand the work and living conditions of foreign fishermen in Taiwan.
The Labor Bureau stated that this is just the first stop in a series of care visits. Four more visits are scheduled: on 11/18 at the prayer room in Gongliao Fishery Association, on 11/21 at the Fishermen’s Recreation Center in Fuji Fishing Port, on 12/3 at the Ruifang District Fishery Association, and on 12/5 at the prayer room in the Tamsui Fishery Association. Employers and agents are encouraged to help spread the word so that fishermen can attend.
