TAIPEI (Taiwan News) – Amid allegations former Culture Minister Shih Che (史哲) created a hostile work environment, incumbent minister Lee Yuan (李遠) encouraged employees to file complaints, assuring their protection through subsequent investigations.
KMT Legislator Lo Ting-wei (羅廷瑋) disclosed on Monday (Dec. 9) that a Ministry of Culture employee had filed an anonymous complaint alleging Shih would berate staff, creating an atmosphere of fear among employees. The complaint said Shih would scold those who prepared his meals if the French fries were not crispy enough or if the ice in his beverage had melted.
During a Legislative Yuan press briefing, Lo shared details from the complaint letter, stating Shih, who now serves as political deputy minister at the Executive Yuan, would insist on ice-cold cola. He would verbally abuse staff if his beverages were not served cold enough, the letter said.
The complaint also noted his demand for French fries, which had to be served crispy, never soft or cold.
In addition, Lo revealed an incident during heavy rainfall after an event, where Shih became enraged that his staff entered their vehicle before him. He reportedly forced them to get out and walk in the rain.
UDN reported that according to the complaint, the hostile work environment under Shih's leadership drove one junior supervisor to opt for early retirement. It said those who could transfer did so, while others awaited his departure.
Staff members reportedly congratulated each other when news broke that Shih would not continue as culture minister. They were relieved to be free from what they described as "a culture minister who prioritized politics over culture," per the report.
Incumbent Culture Minister Lee has responded by emphasizing the ministry's zero-tolerance stance on workplace bullying. He encouraged employees to file formal complaints with their names attached, assuring them of protection throughout subsequent investigations.
As of 9 p.m. on Tuesday, Shih has not responded to reporter's messages seeking comment on the allegations.
