Workers in lunchtime rally demand bank end discrimination against women employees

In Tokyo, a group of about 700 workers assembled in front of the head office of Shiba Shinkin Bank on May 22 in protest against the bank's wage discrimination against women employees.

The day's action was organized as part of a lunch hour demonstration calling for legislation to regulate unilateral dismissals and other demands. Participants urged the bank to comply with the court order to end the exclusion of women workers from promotion opportunities and equal wage increases.

In December 2000, the Tokyo High Court upheld the plaintiff workers' claim against the bank's unfair labor practices. But the bank appealed the ruling and is continuing with the discriminatory practices against women employees. (end)