CHUNGHWA TELECOM WORKERS UNION CTWU TAIWAN More Photos #1 More Photos #2 Campaigns Home Page The CTWU, under the leadership of President Chang, mobilized some 5000 to 10000 members.

On 23rd September 2003, CTWU staged a large-scale protest campaign in front of the Congress in Taiwan.

CTWU has been struggling against Privatisation policy for over 6 years. At the World Conference in Zagreb this year, UNI affiliates pledged their support for CTWU.

CTWU opposed the plan to force Chunghwa Telecom to launch a system of "Treasury Stock Repurchases". The government is asking Chunghwa Telecom borrow $50 billion, to buy the Chunghwa Telecom stocks still held by the Government. Chunghwa Telecom is the most profitable enterprise in Taiwan and has zero% debts.

The rally commenced at 9am and continued for 3 1/2 hours. The day was overcast and some rain fell at the beginning of the rally. The rally was peaceful, and the police, prepared, but appeared very friendly. It was held outside the Taiwan Congress building.

A large stage was erected overnight, and a large and professional sound system installed. A press conference the previous day had briefed journalists on the background. Proper facilities were provided for the media. There was extensive media coverage, with many television and print journalists. There were many fixed and roving TV cameras, electronic news gathering vans and direct communications via satellite or link.

International guests included Dan Dwyer from UNI Apro, Ms Monica Hogan from CWA United States. Brother Kim (KTTU) and Sister Lee (KTTU) from Korea, and Brother Lee Chuek Yan (HKCTU) from Hong Kong. All spoke to the rally. The issue also attracted many politicians from the various political parties in Taiwan. Several had the opportunity to speak and were welcomed by the audience.

Perhaps a good summary report is one from the media. The following day, this item appeared in Telecomasia, a regional Telecom publication.

Up to 2,000 (sic) workers at Taiwan's state-run Chunghwa Telecom demonstrated against privatization on Tuesday, in the second major protest by state workers in Taipei in less than two weeks.
Fearing job losses, employees of Taiwan's largest telco chanted "Fight for dignity" and "Defend workers' rights" in a peaceful rally outside parliament, while Premier Yu Shyi-kun delivered his administrative report inside.
"Once the company is in the hands of private groups, we have no protection at all," said 52-year-old maintenance worker Peng Cheng-yi, who joined the whistle-blowing, slogan-chanting crowd from the southern city of Kaohsiung. "The new boss will make us leave. I have never worked for other companies besides Chunghwa Telecom, what am I supposed to do?" asked the father of four.
Wearing yellow plastic raincoats and baseball caps in a show of unity, the protesters said the government's plan to cut its stake in Chunghwa to less than 50% by the end of the year would only benefit private shareholders
The firm's 29,000 employees, most of them middle-aged, would suffer more layoffs and lower pay, they said, worsening unemployment, which hit a nine-month high of 5.2% in August. Taiwan now owns 68% of Chunghwa Telecom after it completed a $1.58 billion share issue in New York in July as part of a three-year privatization plan.

The turnout by the union members was magnificent. All wore very colourful clothing and had very colourful banners and flags. Different regions of Taiwan had different colours, and the various groups were individually introduced and acknowledged. The members were very active, enthusiastically applauded the speakers, and participated in union songs and flag waving activities.