(FWA 2025/10/27)The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) recently issued a Withhold Release Order (WRO) against bicycle manufacturer Giant Group, citing ILO “forced labor” risk indicators. Giant Group reiterated it had already implemented a “Zero Recruitment Fee” policy this year and will expand it to retroactively compensate current migrant workers. Another major Taiwanese bicycle manufacturer, Merida, announced it would implement a “Zero Recruitment Fee” policy starting in October, with plans for retroactive compensation.
Merida announced on the 3rd that starting October 1st this year, it will fully implement a “Zero Recruitment Fee” policy. All migrant workers (both new and current) will not be required to pay brokerage service fees, as Merida will bear these costs. It is also developing a compensation plan and will propose a reasonable compensation solution by October 25th for recruitment fees previously paid by current migrant workers.
Giant Group explained in a press release on October 15th that in addition to reiterating its “Zero Recruitment Fee” policy for all new migrant workers since January 1, 2025, it has commissioned an international third-party consultant to develop a comprehensive compensation plan to reimburse current migrant workers for recruitment fees they paid in the past to further implement its commitment. Additionally, the company has completed the relocation to new dormitories, with over 400 workers moving into new facilities designed in accordance with international labor and human rights standards.
