labor2

Japan Press Service Co., Ltd. is the only news agency providing information of progressive, democratic movements in Japan

Insurance company to compensate union members over discrimination

Mediated by the Central Labor Relations Commission, the Asahi Fire and Marine Insurance Company on September 15 reached a settlement with its trade union members, promising to end discrimination against them and to pay 350 million yen in settlements money.

Under the agreement that brought victory to the union members, the company will stop discriminating against 8 workers in wages and promotions, reinstate 6 workers to their former jobs from where they are unduly transferred, and pay them settlements. The plaintiffs' leader praised the settlement, saying, "We could make clear that unconscionable discrimination is to be condemned."

Since 1978, the company led by successive presidents sent in from its parent company Nomura Securities undermined working conditions, including constraints on wage increases and job cuts.

Against its trade union members affiliated with the All Japan Non-Life Insurance Labor Union, the company many times unreasonably transferred them or discriminated against them in wages and promotions. The company was admonished 11 times for unfair labor practices by courts and the labor commissions.

In June 2004, it was judged by the Supreme Court to be liable for unfair labor practices and was ordered to correct them, but the company did not obey the ruling.

In March 2005, the National Confederation of Trade Unions (Zenroren), dozens of independent trade unions and hundreds of individuals set up a support organization. Every month since March, the organization carried out actions in support of the insurance workers. -- Akahata, September 16, 2005