Taichung: The Taichung City government announced on Thursday the dismissal of a high-ranking official from the Transportation Bureau due to allegations of sexual misconduct involving five women since 2021.

According to Focus Taiwan, Chang Ying-tang, the head of the Public Transportation and Rapid Transit System Office, received two major demerits, lost his pension, and was fined NT$300,000 (US$9,214.57) as per the regulations, including the Gender Equality in Employment Act. A performance appraisal committee determined that Chang had engaged in inappropriate conduct towards at least five female subordinates, including unwarranted touching and hugging.

Currently, a sixth complaint is undergoing investigation. The city’s Chief Secretary, Huang Chung-tien, emphasized the gravity of Chang’s actions, stating that they severely impacted staff morale. Consequently, Chang faced the most severe administrative penalties for sexual harassment ever imposed in Taichung’s public sector.

Chang retains the right to contes
t his dismissal in court within 30 days of the notice. The announcement of Chang’s removal drew criticism toward the Taichung government, led by Mayor Lu Shiow-yen of the Kuomintang, for its delayed response to the allegations, which were initially reported on September 9.

City Councilor Huang Shou-da from the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) criticized the government for merely suspending Chang following the case’s exposure on November 4, with formal dismissal taking another 24 days. In defense, Transportation Bureau Deputy Director-general Chiang Chun-liang explained that the investigation adhered to standard procedures, including a three-month limit for examining sexual harassment cases. All parties involved, including accusers, the accused, and witnesses, were interviewed, and additional allegations were investigated.

Despite these explanations, DPP councilors, including Huang, demanded an apology from Mayor Lu for the prolonged duration of the harassment and called for Yeh Chao-fu, the director of th
e Transportation Bureau, to resign in a show of accountability. In response to the situation, Yeh committed to bolstering sexual harassment education, maintaining open complaint channels, and enhancing surveillance measures.