Cablegate: Southern Taiwan Labor Unions Remain Solidly In

This record is a partial extract of the original cable. The full text of the original cable is not available.

030824Z Nov 05

UNCLAS TAIPEI 004457

SIPDIS

DEPT PASS AIT/WASHINGTON
DEPT FOR EAP/TC, INR/EAP

FROM AIT KAOHSIUNG BRANCH OFFICE

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV PREL TW
SUBJECT: Southern Taiwan Labor Unions Remain Solidly in
Green Camp

1. Summary. Representatives of local labor unions in
southern Taiwans Pingtung, Kaohsiung, and Tainan
Counties said that, despite recent scandals involving
senior DPP members, their membership would support DPP
candidates in the coming elections. The representatives
said that laborers believe that the DPP is more
enthusiastic than the KMT in promoting their welfare.
The representatives predicted that the DPP would maintain
its dominance in these three counties. End Summary.

2. President Wang Hsin-chi, of the Tainan County Labor
Union, stated that the countys laborers are more focused
on local labor issues than island-wide politics. The
union membership hopes that the County Government can
find a solution to frequent flooding in the area. He
noted that the pan-Blue controlled legislature had
blocked funding for flood control projects. Wang stated
that Tainan County labor recognizes incumbent Magistrate
Su Huan-chis hard work on their behalf. According to
Wang, labor will continue to support Magistrate Su.
However, Wang pointed out that Sus support among
government workers is weak due to their dissatisfaction
with his management style. He said that, despite this
fact, Su was likely to be reelected, especially in light
of the weakness of his opponent.

3. Secretary General Gu Ming-yiaw, of the Kaohsiung
County Laborers Union, noted that the recent KRTC scandal
and alleged corruption on the part of DPP officials will
have an impact on younger voters. However, he predicted
ed
that his membership and most older voters will continue
to support the DPP. Gu said that attempts to paint the
entire DPP as corrupt were unfair.

4. Secretary General Yang Yu-ying, of the Pingtung
County Labor Union pointed out that the rank and file
were long dissatisfied with neglect by previous KMT
administrations. Yang said the workers believe that they
have received better treatment from DPP administrations.
Yang went on to say that overall sentiment in Pingtung
County favors the DPP. He said that he fully expected
the DPP to remain firmly in control in Pingtung County.

5. Comment. AIT/K solicited comments from major labor
groups in Kaohsiung, Tainan and Pingtung counties. Labor
is an insignificant demographic in Chiayi, Taitung and
Penghu counties. Solid labor support is particularly
important in Tainan and Kaohsiung counties due to heavy
industrialization in those areas. End Comment.

Thiele

Keegan

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