Platform for Civil Servants to File Bullying Complaints to Launch Amid Rising Concerns

TAIPEI: An online platform designed to allow civil servants to report workplace bullying will launch on Friday, as the Taiwanese government seeks to address growing discontent following recent incidents of bullying within its ranks. The initiative, announced by the Cabinet, aims to provide a structured avenue for grievances, although it will not support anonymous submissions, sparking discussions about privacy and protection for complainants. According to Focus Taiwan, the platform will be managed by the Directorate-General of Personnel Administration (DGPA) under the Executive Yuan. Cabinet spokesperson Michelle Lee disclosed that the platform will begin processing complaints at 10 a.m. on Friday. While emphasizing privacy protections, Lee justified the decision to require complainants to reveal their identities as necessary for ensuring their protection. Premier Cho Jung-tai has underscored the importance of addressing workplace bullying transparently and expediently, expressing optimism that the platfor m will improve the public sector's work environment and public perception. Lee reiterated the premier's call for government agencies to avoid cover-ups or delays in handling such cases. DGPA official Yang Ching-lun clarified that the platform will serve as an additional option for civil servants from both central and local government bodies to report bullying, complementing existing workplace systems. Upon receiving a complaint, the relevant agency will be notified and must report back to the DGPA within three days regarding the launch of an investigation. Such investigations are expected to conclude within a month, with a possible extension of another month if needed. Independent experts will be involved alongside agency officials in the investigations. The government's move follows a tragic incident involving a Ministry of Labor civil servant, surnamed Wu, who reportedly committed suicide after enduring bullying by a superior. An investigation confirmed Wu's experience of a "high-pressure" work environmen t, igniting widespread accusations of workplace bullying across various government agencies.