TAICHUNG, Taiwan (BRAIN) — Giant Group is developing a plan to reimburse current migrant workers at its factories for recruitment fees they paid prior to Jan. 1, 2025, when the company began paying its current workers' recruitment fees.
Giant initiated the zero-fee policy following media reports in 2023 and 2024 about worker conditions at its factory in Taichung and at other bike factories in Taiwan. Last month, U.S. Customs and Border Protection issued a Withhold Release Order, which prevents the import of shipments to the U.S. from the Taichung factory. Earlier this month Merida Industries, a fellow Taiwan bike maker, announced its own zero-fee policy, which it said includes reimbursing current workers for previously paid recruitment fees. Merida was one of the factories mentioned in the 2023 and 2024 media reports.
Giant said it has hired a "renowned international third-party adviser to identify, assess, and develop a comprehensive compensation plan" to reimburse the workers. It said it has already begun fee reimbursement fees this week and has already set aside funds to make the payments.
The company updated some of its worker dormitories last January and said this month it has completed the relocation of all migrant worker dormitories, with 400 more workers moving into two newly built facilities located in the Yuanli, Miaoli, and Waipu areas of Taichung.
"The previous Dajia dormitory was limited by its age and space constraints. The new dormitories were designed and upgraded in line with international labor and human rights standards, providing a safe, healthy, and respectful living environment that meets fire protection, construction, and public safety requirements. Each dormitory features eight-person rooms, private bathrooms, dining and leisure areas, and basic fitness equipment, as well as fire protection systems and dedicated management personnel. These dormitories significantly enhance overall living quality and demonstrate the company's determination to continuously improve living and working conditions," the company said.
The company shared photos of the dorms with the media on Wednesday.
Giant plans to petition CBP to lift the WRO and said it has hired U.S. legal counsel to communicate directly with CBP.
Giant also has posted an "official CBP Website" at esg.giantgroup-cycling.com.
