Taipei: Taiwan's new workplace bullying prevention rules are set to take effect on Wednesday, marking a significant step in safeguarding both local and foreign workers from harassment and abuse in professional settings. The regulations, introduced under the Occupational Safety and Health Act, require employers to establish mechanisms for prevention and complaint handling, and provide clear guidelines for employees on how to file complaints.

According to Focus Taiwan, the new provisions define workplace bullying as repeated inappropriate words or behaviors by personnel within the same business entity who abuse their positions or powers and act beyond the necessary and reasonable business scope, causing physical or mental harm to a worker. Examples include threats, neglect, isolation, or insults. Labor Minister Hung Sun-han emphasized that all key elements must be met for a case to be recognized as workplace bullying.

The rules extend protection to all workers, including foreign nationals working in Taiwan, those employed by foreign companies operating in Taiwan, and migrant workers. However, it remains unclear if migrant live-in caregivers and domestic helpers, not covered by the Labor Standards Act, are protected under these new rules.

Workers who believe they have been bullied can file complaints through designated channels set by their employers, including in writing, by email, or orally. Employers are required to investigate complaints objectively and fairly, reporting them to the Ministry of Labor's online registration system and conducting thorough investigations.

Businesses with 10 or more employees must establish dedicated complaint channels, such as hotlines or designated messaging apps. Even smaller businesses are required to handle complaints appropriately and assist complainants according to their wishes.

For larger businesses with 100 or more employees, investigation reports must be completed within two months, with a decision made within one month thereafter. Smaller businesses have different timelines, with extensions allowed under special circumstances.

If a worker disagrees with the investigation's result, they may file a written appeal within 30 days, and companies are obligated to review and potentially reinvestigate cases if flaws or new evidence are presented. Former employees may also file complaints within certain timeframes after leaving the job.

To ensure accessibility, the Ministry of Labor has provided English translations of the rules and will offer consultations via a labor hotline. Efforts to strengthen outreach include providing informational materials in multiple languages commonly spoken by Taiwan's migrant workforce.