JCP introduces bill for revision of family leave law in upper house

The Japanese Communist Party introduced a bill in the House of Councilors on June 8 to improve the Law Concerning the Welfare of Workers on Leave for Taking Care of Children or Other Family Members to meet the demands of many working people.

The government has already submitted a bill to amend the family leave law, which the JCP says is inadequate.

The JCP bill calls for a change in the law to guarantee workers on a family leave at least 60% (instead of the present 40%) of basic wages as benefit. The bill, if enacted, will enable workers to take hourly leaves according to their needs and allow workers to use at least ten work days a year for family members' care, child care, or for kindergarten/school events.

The JCP bill calls for the revised law to ban employers from taking disciplinary steps that will put those taking leave at a disadvantage, such as with dismissals, discrimination in wages, job assignment, and promotion. (end)