TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Ministry of Labor has commissioned the Legal Aid Foundation to launch a free video-based legal consultation service for workers facing suspected pregnancy or gender-based discrimination.
A pilot phase began on Tuesday and is available to migrant workers and foreign nationals employed in Taiwan. Through online video conferencing, users can access one-on-one legal consultations with lawyers, according to CNA.
According to a recent survey conducted by the ministry, 43% of workers who have experienced gender or pregnancy discrimination are willing to file complaints but hesitate due to concerns about identity leaks or lengthy filing procedures. The findings led to the creation of the service, which is now open for registration and will officially launch on April 1.
Last year, the ministry released statistics from the 2024 Workplace Sexual Harassment Case Reporting System, showing 1,577 complaints, including 354 from government agencies and 1,223 from non-government agencies.
Speaking at a Taipei press conference, Huang Chi-ya (黃琦雅), head of the MOL Department of Labor Standards and Equal Employment, said a survey conducted last year found that more than 50% of female workers reported pregnancy-related workplace discrimination, with approximately 27.8% having personally experienced it.
Among those who experienced unfair treatment during pregnancy, 43% said they considered filing a complaint but feared their identities would be revealed or that the process would be ineffective and time-consuming.
Huang said the program is expected to provide more than 600 video consultations annually, with an administrative budget of NT$2 million (US$62,240). Adjustments will be made based on future demand.
Legal Aid Foundation CEO Steven Chou (周漢威) said 33 lawyers have already joined the consultation team, with efforts ongoing to recruit more participants.
Workers who believe they have been subjected to gender discrimination are advised to upload relevant documents, such as sick leave records and other human resources materials, before consultations. This allows lawyers to review cases in advance and provide more accurate legal advice.
The ministry said the service will help ensure employees are protected under the Gender Equality in Employment Act, including provisions covering maternity leave, prenatal check-up leave, paternity leave, pregnancy-related leave, and unpaid parental leave. Violators of the act may face fines of up to NT$1.5 million.
