15 Federation Unions and Over 205 Grassroots Unions Rally Behind! Lai Jui-long Launches Labor Support Alliance, Vowing to Build a 'Labor-First Kaohsiung'

Kaohsiung mayoral candidate and Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) legislator Lai Jui-long established the 'Labor Support Alliance' and the 'Religious Support Association' on the 26th. The Labor Support Alliance brought together 15 federation unions, over 205 grassroots unions, and nearly 700 labor representatives from Kaohsiung, showcasing a united front of cross-union support. The Religious Support Association mobilized religious figures from Taoism, temples, and Christianity, consolidating cross-faith backing.

Lai emphasized that Kaohsiung has approximately 1.4 million workers, making it Taiwan’s city with the highest number of labor unions. He stated that the city’s development has always relied on the efforts of workers, and future progress will require their continued participation. Coming from a working-class family—his father was a carpenter and his mother ran a market stall—Lai said he deeply understands the hardships of raising a family through labor, which is why he has consistently prioritized labor rights throughout his political career.

Lai noted his long-standing commitment to labor policy. This year, he successfully increased administrative funding for vocational unions and advanced reforms allowing workers under the old labor pension system to voluntarily contribute and accumulate retirement funds earlier. He has also proposed an amendment to the Labor Pension Act, advocating for raising the employer’s minimum contribution rate under the new pension system and increasing the worker’s voluntary contribution cap to 9%, aiming to further strengthen retirement security.

For future municipal direction, Lai introduced his 'Four Priorities': 'Industrial Transformation, Employment First,' 'Economic Growth, Compensation First,' 'Urban Development, Safety First,' and 'Labor’s Future, Security First.' He aims to build Kaohsiung into Taiwan’s most labor-friendly city by upgrading industries, raising wages, improving workplace safety, and enhancing retirement systems.

Hsu Ming-chun, former Minister of Labor and Honorary Chair of the Labor Support Alliance, praised Lai for his long-term dedication to Kaohsiung’s development and labor issues, highlighting his administrative experience and execution capability while never forgetting his working-class roots. She urged laborers to unite and support Lai to secure victory.

Legislator Hsu Chih-chieh pointed out that Lai has actively promoted labor legislation and rights reforms in the legislature, with visible results. He expressed confidence that, as Kaohsiung mayor, Lai would continue to fight for greater labor welfare and protection.

Lin Ming-chang, Chairman of the Kaohsiung Federation of Labor Unions and President of the Support Alliance, stated that Lai has stood side-by-side with unions for years, demonstrating high efficiency and execution in advancing reforms such as adjusting union administrative fees and pension systems. He is widely recognized by the labor community as the 'Labor Mayor.'

Lai emphasized that he will leverage his decade of municipal and legislative experience to continue building on Kaohsiung’s development, creating a city with world-class industries and comprehensive labor support, making Kaohsiung a 'Labor-First' city of happiness.

In addition to the Labor Support Alliance, Lai also attended the launch of the Religious Support Association on the same day, led by former Minister of the Interior Yu Cheng-hsien. The event brought together representatives from Taoism, temples, Christianity, and other religious groups, aiming to unite cross-religious forces for Kaohsiung’s future. Legislators such as Hsu Chih-chieh, multiple DPP Kaohsiung city councilors, and council candidates attended to show party unity, further intensifying momentum ahead of the year-end mayoral election.

Lai Jui-long launched the Religious Support Association, calling on Taoist, temple, and Christian leaders to participate and unite cross-faith support. (Photo: Lai Jui-long Campaign Headquarters)