Following the Council of Labor Affairs announcment that it plans to impose heavier punishments to employers who are found responsible for employees' death from overwork, some companies have expressed their opposition to this policy because they believe it will affect Taiwan's chance to attract foreign investment.

However, despite the various oppositions, CLA Minister Jennifer Wang restated her determination to protect local workers, saying that labor rights should not be sacrificed as companies seek business profits.

More local reports have surfaced of a company employee who worked himself to death.

Council of Labor Affairs chair Jennifer Wang says that she is considering criminal class action suits against employers in cases of employees who die from overworking.

The technology industry, with most cases of engineers working to death, has reserved their opinions over the issue.

Meanwhile, the security industry, which has its own share of such cases, say that it's unfair to employers for the CLA to treat all cases of employee death from overwork as a general case.

Business groups are also expressing opposition against the decision, saying it will affect investments in Taiwan.

Wang says it is important not to overlook basic labor rights even in times of economic growth.

Currently the CLA is referring to methods implemented in other countries to penalize guilty employing companies.

In Japan, perpetrators receive a six-month imprisonment sentence, while in Korea, they can be sentenced for up to two years.

Although there are policies in Taiwan similar to Japan's, it is uncertain whether the policies are enforced and as they are rarely in practical use, experts are supporting criminal class actions.

Although it may dissuade employers from overworking employees, many experts emphasize that this is still action following the occurrence.

They are hoping the CLA more aggressively promotes preventive measures against the overworking of employees.

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