TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — TPP Legislator Liu Shu-pin (劉書彬) denied on Thursday allegations that she retaliated against aides who signed a petition opposing a proposed change to legislative aide compensation.
The controversy stems from a proposal by KMT Legislator Chen Yu-jen (陳玉珍) to disburse funding for legislative aides directly to lawmakers, per CNA. The plan drew strong backlash from aides across party lines, many of whom signed a petition calling for Chen to withdraw the proposal. Chen later rescinded it.
Two aides from Liu’s office reportedly signed the petition, per KNews. One aide who refused to remove her signature after pressure from Liu was later informed that her contract would not be renewed.
TPP legislative caucus leader Vicky Chen (陳智菡) reportedly intervened, calling on Liu to handle the matter in accordance with labor protection measures rather than dismissing the aide outright. Liu responded to the allegation, saying that nonrenewal of aide contracts is a routine administrative decision, per Mirror Media.
The incident marks the latest allegation involving Liu’s treatment of staff. In August, former legislative aide Chiu Tzu-an (邱子安) accused Liu of verbally abusing and humiliating aides, per UDN. Liu at the time described the dispute as a difference in management style.
The TPP is reportedly reviewing Liu’s conduct, per Tai Sounds. Chiu has already appeared before the party’s appeals committee, which could refer the case to the central committee if the allegations are deemed credible and serious.
Liu’s office has also seen unusually high staff turnover. Since Chiu’s resignation in August, six aides have left. All but one of the aides inherited from former Legislator Wu Chun-cheng (吳春城) have departed.
Concerns over Liu’s management style are reportedly well known within the party. Former aides have said Liu frequently disregarded briefing materials prepared by staff while still reprimanding them for perceived shortcomings.
Former TPP Chair Ko Wen-je (柯文哲), who has advocated for developing experienced aides into political talent, reportedly criticized Liu during a recent internal meeting, accusing her of driving away senior staff.
Under the TPP’s two-year term limit for at-large legislators, Liu’s current term runs until February 2027. Potential disciplinary measures include suspension or revocation of party membership. A decision cannot be announced before Feb. 1, when the party is scheduled to rotate its at-large legislative seats.
