Giant Group’s path to compliance with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) took another step forward this week, after the Taiwan-based bike manufacturer implemented a recruitment-fee remedy program for eligible former migrant workers.

The expanded coverage applies to migrant workers who left Giant Group’s employment after September 24, 2023. The coverage is part of the company’s Phase Three program to secure the fastest possible revocation of the Work Release Order (WRO) issued by CBP in September 2025.

Giant Group has reportedly submitted its formal Petition to the CBP.

The Group noted on its website the following:

To further strengthen the protection of migrant workers’ rights and enhance the Zero Recruitment Fee Policy, Giant Group has recently launched its Phase Three recruitment fee remedy program, with expanded coverage applying to eligible former migrant workers who left employment during the two years preceding the WRO effective date (September 24, 2025). This retrospective approach exceeds the scope commonly seen in international practices (for example, certain RBA-aligned practices often reference an approximate six-month retrospective period) and is consistent with CBP’s established scope in prior WRO cases. This reflects Giant Group’s continued commitment to deepening responsible recruitment practices and strengthening remedy mechanisms.

Since 2025, Giant Group has implemented the Zero Recruitment Fee Policy through a phased approach:

  • Phase One: Effective January 1, 2025, the Zero Recruitment Fee principle was applied to newly hired migrant workers.
  • Phase Two: In mid-October 2025, the policy was expanded to all current migrant workers, and related reimbursements were completed.
  • Phase Three: Most recently, coverage has been further extended to eligible former migrant workers within the past two years, continuing to enhance remedy and corrective measures

The Group formally posted its Phase Three program on the company’s website and said it will also “communicate through multiple channels, including local recruitment agencies in Thailand and Vietnam, Taiwanese business associations, employment service centers, and local media, to ensure eligible individuals can access information and submit applications in an effort to improve accessibility and support effective implementation of the remedy mechanism.”

Giant Group said its broader Corrective Action Plan (CAP) is progressing as planned. Related measures are reportedly being carried out in coordination with the verification process of an independent third-party audit organization, to “ensure alignment with international standards and to address the expectations of relevant authorities.”

CBP’s History of Efforts to Force the Group’s Compliance
The latest move follows CBP’s action on September 24, 2025, to issue a Withhold Release Order on products manufactured at Giant Group’s Taiwan-based factory, suspending the import of Giant-branded bikes, bike parts and components into the United States. The action by the CBP follows accusations of forced labor at this facility and does not affect the production of Giant-branded bikes, bike parts, and components manufactured in other countries.

The Group announced in mid-October that it had implemented a “Zero Recruitment Fee Policy” for all newly recruited foreign migrant workers, effective January 1, 2025, under which the company continues to bear all recruitment fees, service charges and related government costs. This new policy comes as Giant Group commissioned a “renowned international third-party adviser” to identify, assess and develop a comprehensive compensation plan to reimburse current migrant workers hired before January 1, 2025, for their previous recruitment expenses.

Giant Group initiated the first phase of fee reimbursement payment in October to demonstrate its commitment. Giant said it “made the provision in the book with sufficient funding ability to support the payment, so Giant can ensure all migrant workers receive what they are eligible to receive.”

Giant Group also completed the relocation of all migrant worker dormitories, with a total of 400 additional workers moving into two newly built facilities in Yuanli, Miaoli, and Waipu, Taichung. The previous Rinan dormitory was constrained by its age and limited space.

The new dormitories were designed and upgraded to align 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, basic fitness equipment, fire protection systems, and dedicated management personnel. These dormitories are said to “significantly enhance overall living quality and demonstrate the company’s determination to continuously improve living and working conditions.”

The Group reported in early December 2025 on actions taken in Phase 1 and summarized the implementation results of its Zero Recruitment Fee policy, the progress of its Corrective Action Plan (CAP), and ongoing enhancements to worker grievance mechanisms as part of the Group’s long-term Migrant Worker Rights Enhancement Program.

Image courtesy Giant Group