Former Principal of Liuchiu Junior High School Removed After Censure for Workplace Bullying: Union Hails 'Major Victory for Labor Dignity'

Central News Agency reporter Chen Chih-chung, Taipei, June 16

Su Chuan-Chu, former principal of Liuchiu Junior High School in Pingtung County, has been removed from his position after being censured by Taiwan's Control Yuan for workplace bullying. The National Union of Substitute and Contract Teachers issued a statement today, calling the outcome a major victory for grassroots educators in their fight for labor dignity.

A substitute teacher at Liuchiu Junior High School died suddenly from overwork. In December last year, the Control Yuan determined that then-principal Su Chuan-Chu failed to fulfill his duty of care regarding the death and improperly pressured witnesses in a legal case filed by the deceased's family seeking labor insurance benefits, constituting workplace bullying.

Following the Control Yuan's public censure of Su Chuan-Chu, Pingtung County Government formed an investigation panel and officially removed him from his principal duties starting May 19 this year.

Huang Hsiang-hsien, chairperson of the National Union of Substitute and Contract Teachers, stated in a press release today that Su is the first principal in Taiwan to be substantively removed from office for bullying staff and neglecting occupational safety. The case, she noted, underwent a six-year legal process before justice was finally served.

The union's statement emphasized that this case is not only a major victory for grassroots teachers' labor dignity but also a wake-up call to the so-called 'campus emperors' across Taiwan's schools, proving that with functional local governments and central oversight mechanisms, institutional accountability is possible.

Huang also cited another recent case in Chiayi City, where a substitute teacher was maliciously harassed and publicly humiliated by a school principal, then smeared through media, triggering online bullying that led to the teacher's suicide. The Control Yuan later confirmed the principal's serious misconduct and issued corrective measures and impeachment.

The union urged the Chiayi City government to follow Pingtung County's precedent and legally remove the implicated principal, stressing that continued disregard for campus occupational safety and teachers' human rights is unacceptable. (Editor: Lee Heng-shan) 1150616

Value life—suicide does not solve problems. There is always a way forward. For counseling or assistance, call the Ministry of Health and Welfare's hotline '1925', the Lifeline '1995', or the Teacher Zhang hotline '1980'.

Choose to stand with the truth. Every contribution helps safeguard press freedom.

Download the CNA 'First News' app for real-time updates.

Text, images, and videos on this website may not be reproduced, broadcast, publicly transmitted, or used without authorization.