Dust Mite Machine Sales Linked to Job Scams, Kaohsiung Labor Affairs Bureau Assists with Legal Recourse

(Central News Agency reporter Lin Qiaolian Kaohsiung, Sept. 9) A purification technology company is accused of job scams and has multiple consumer disputes. The public alleges that the company used false high-salary advertisements to lure applicants, then demanded they purchase a NT$140,000 dust mite removal machine, and subsequently delayed salary payments. The Kaohsiung City Labor Affairs Bureau stated that it has assisted with subsequent legal recourse.

Lin Yukai, a candidate for Kaohsiung City Councilor from the Taiwan People's Party, accompanied members of the company's employee self-help group at a press conference in Kaohsiung today. Several former employees accused the company of using exaggerated million-dollar annual salary recruitment advertisements to hire staff, then inducing job seekers to purchase expensive equipment, causing employees to incur loans exceeding NT$140,000 and leading to multiple consumer disputes. They called for the investigation authorities and relevant supervisory agencies to conduct a comprehensive investigation.

The Kaohsiung City Labor Affairs Bureau stated that after receiving a complaint in March this year, it transferred the case to the New Taipei City Labor Affairs Bureau for investigation and handling according to jurisdiction. Additionally, four employees filed labor-management dispute mediation regarding the company's alleged false advertising and employment relationship disputes. Mediation procedures were arranged for both parties recently, but the mediation was unsuccessful. Subsequently, relevant resources were provided to assist the employees in pursuing further legal recourse.

Lin Yukai stated that the company was fined NT$150,000 by the New Taipei City Labor Affairs Bureau in October last year for false recruitment advertisements in violation of the "Employment Service Act." Subsequently, multiple consumer disputes have been reported. Although the company is registered in New Taipei, many victims are in the southern region. The Kaohsiung City Government merely responded with initial guidance, which is tantamount to condoning fraudulent behavior.

The self-help group pointed out that the company advertised air conditioner cleaning for NT$999 to attract consumers for in-home services. After the cleaning staff arrived, they would then promote a NT$36,000 dust mite removal service. Some consumers who purchased the service found it difficult to schedule appointments and were refused refunds when they wanted to cancel.

Consumer Mr. Cai stated today that after purchasing services worth tens of thousands of dollars, he only managed to schedule two or three appointments, but the services always took a long time to arrange. He then applied for a refund but did not receive it even after consumer protection mediation, and eventually filed a lawsuit.

Self-help group representative Mr. Xu pointed out that after recruiting new sales representatives, the company required or guided employees to purchase work equipment costing approximately NT$140,000, paid through third-party loans. As a result, many employees were in debt before they even started earning money. "The company's training lasted about half an hour, focusing on operating the machine; we didn't even learn how to clean air conditioners."

Lawyer Chen Yongqun stated that consumers can pursue consumer dispute mediation procedures to protect their rights. If the relevant regulations are met, they can also claim contract termination and refund of the price. Job seekers should pay attention to the content of labor contracts and avoid signing service contracts, which could lead to the loss of labor insurance, health insurance, and salary protection. (Editor: Li Hengshan) 1150709

Stand with the truth. Your every sponsorship is a force to protect press freedom.

Download the CNA "One-Stop News" APP for real-time updates.

The text, images, and audio on this website may not be reproduced, publicly broadcast, publicly transmitted, or used without authorization.