CSHC Happy Steel! New On-Site Childcare Center Launches, Completing 0-2 Age Care Chain, 45 Infants to Be Admitted Starting August 3

To create a more supportive and family-friendly workplace environment, the China Steel Corporation (CSHC) Welfare Committee held the inauguration ceremony for its newly established on-site childcare center on June 22 at the CSHC Group Hall, themed 'Happy CSHC, Bright Future for Babies.' The center officially commenced operations, announcing that it will begin admitting 45 infants aged 0 to 2 starting August 3. Combined with the existing kindergarten, this establishes a comprehensive 0–6 age childcare and care system, helping employees balance family and work responsibilities.

The inauguration ceremony was co-hosted by Chen Shou-Dao, Director of the CSHC Welfare Committee and General Manager of CSHC, and Hsu Yi-Chung, Convener of the Labor-side Committee. Attendees included Minister of Labor Hung Shen-Han, Deputy Director Chen Hui-Rong of the Department of Labor Welfare and Retirement, Deputy Director Liu Chi-Hsiao of the State-Owned Enterprises Division at the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Kaohsiung City Labor Bureau Director Jiang Jian-Xing, Social Bureau Director Tsai Wan-Fen, CSHC Chairman Huang Chien-Chih, and Enterprise Union President Yang Yi-Ji, all of whom witnessed the official launch.

CSHC Chairman Huang Chien-Chih stated that in the face of Taiwan's declining birthrate, supporting young employees in building families while balancing work and parenting has become a critical sustainability issue for enterprises. Following the establishment of its kindergarten, CSHC's launch of the childcare center provides more comprehensive parenting support. He emphasized that the center is not only a safe, professional, and warm childcare space but also a significant milestone in the company's ESG implementation and the creation of a happy workplace.

Huang also expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Labor, Kaohsiung City Government, the Enterprise Union, and the Taiwan Childcare Association for their collaborative support in setting up the center, enabling its smooth launch. He stressed that CSHC will continue to prioritize employee needs and build a workplace environment where employees can work with peace of mind and raise children with confidence.

Minister of Labor Hung Shen-Han stated that the Ministry is actively promoting its 'Care Without Career Interruption' policy. Establishing on-site childcare facilities is not just an employee benefit but also a crucial strategy for talent attraction and retention. In alignment with national population policies, companies can apply for up to NT$5 million in setup subsidies. Additional subsidies are available for ongoing operations, staffing, and employee childcare fees, along with tax incentives such as double deductions on operating expenses. The Ministry hopes more enterprises will invest in workplace childcare.

Jiang Jian-Xing noted that CSHC's expansion from kindergarten to childcare center provides employees with comprehensive parenting support, setting a benchmark for family-friendly enterprises. The city government will continue collaborating with central authorities to encourage more companies to establish childcare facilities and jointly foster a supportive childcare environment.

Yang Yi-Ji emphasized that the childcare center is a key outcome of labor-management negotiations, demonstrating the company's commitment to employee well-being. He expressed appreciation for the policy, financial, and administrative support from the Ministry of Labor, Kaohsiung City Social Bureau, and Labor Bureau, which were instrumental in the center's successful establishment.

CSHC stated that the childcare center is operated by a professional team from the Taiwan Childcare Association. It features three age-based classes: 'Baby Bear,' 'Little Bear,' and 'Big Bear.' The facility includes a large play area, nursing rooms, and a health room. The entire space uses non-toxic green building materials, anti-collision soft padding, and ergonomically designed infant furniture. A full-coverage, blind-spot-free monitoring system ensures a safe and comfortable childcare environment.

The inauguration ceremony began with a playful 'Ocean Party' performance by children from the CSHC kindergarten, who dressed as 'Little Ocean Explorers.' Guests then jointly unveiled the center's plaque, symbolizing its official launch, followed by a tour of the facility and childcare spaces.

CSHC highlighted its long-standing commitment to family-friendly policies. The company recently received the Excellence Award in the 2nd 'Taiwan Happy Enterprise Evaluation' by the China Times Business Weekly and was previously recognized with the 'Family-Friendly Workplace Award' by Parenting Today. The official launch of the childcare center not only fills a critical gap in employee care but also demonstrates the company's commitment to partnering with the government to build a happy workplace and support employees in confidently raising families.