Labor Groups Protest as Taiwan Bridgestone Closes Hsinchu Factory, Laying Off 551

Taiwan Bridgestone has announced the closure of its Hsinchu manufacturing plant due to global strategic adjustments, resulting in the dismissal of 551 employees. In response, Labor Party Councilor Lo Mei-wen and labor union representatives protested at the Hsinchu County Government. They expressed concerns that older workers might sign severance agreements without sufficient information and argued that the compensation is inadequate for future income losses. The local labor department promised to oversee the process and ensure workers' rights are protected. Bridgestone stated that consultations were peaceful and the transition will not affect its sales and service network in Taiwan.