Fujitsu subsidiary cuts 2,000 full-time jobs in its factories

Japan Press Weekly

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

Fujitsu subsidiary cuts 2,000 full-time jobs in its factories

Fujitsu Microelectronics Limited (FML) is planning to cut about 2,000 full-time positions at its factories. In October alone, nearly 100 workers left their plants. Some were transferred to other workplaces and others retired.

While cutting its payroll costs, the Fujitsu subsidiary continues operations at its two factories 24 hours a day, causing an increase in working hours of 7 hours 36 minutes from the previous 153 hours 42 minutes a month.

Fujitsu spin-off semiconductor unit, FML, is planning to relocate 1,130 out of 1,700 workers at its Iwate Plant in Iwate Prefecture and 800 out of 1,500 workers at its Aizu Plant in Fukushima Prefecture to 16 different positions at the Fujitsu group of companies.

Under the current labor law, employers cannot transfer employees without their consent. The related laws also prohibit employers from forcing regular employees to work as independent contractors or forcing them to leave jobs.

However, FML is offering its full-time workers only two options: job transfer or retirement.

A worker in his 40s said, “I requested a job transfer to any office but was rejected. Many have been rejected by being told that a new job is ‘not suitable’ or a new job applied for has ‘no job vacancy’. The only option left for us is to agree to work as temporary workers for a Fujitsu-affiliated staffing agency. What FML is doing is the same as telling us, ‘Be temporary workers or leave Fujitsu!’.”

Another worker in his 40s said, “I had no choice but to leave my job because I couldn’t accept a job transfer due to family concerns.”

Defend local economy!

The Iwate Prefectural Committee of the Japanese Communist Party and the Iwate Federation of Trade Unions have demanded that Fujitsu immediately halt its illegal practice of forcing employees to leave jobs, and use its internal reserves in order to take responsibility for job security and the health of local economies.

Suzuki Tsuyumichi, president of the federation, said, “Long supported by local people, Fujitsu should fulfill its corporate social responsibility for the local economy and employment. Our union will work together with local residents and municipalities to defend the local economy and maintain jobs.”

- Akahata, November 16, 2009