August 29, 2024

The Sony workers’ union Sendai Branch in support of other local trade unions is fighting against a downsizing plan of Sony’s Sendai Technology Center (Tagajo City, Miyagi Pref.).

The Sony subsidiary in June announced its plan to slash 250 jobs, equivalent to 40% of the total, through measures to relocate targeted workers to remote workplaces or force them to accept early retirement.

Union activists, accompanied by Japanese Communist Party Tagajo City Assemblypersons, on August 28 submitted to the city government and the city assembly a written request demanding that they urge Sendai Technology to review its downsizing plan and maintain the current level of employment.

The unions called on the city authority and the city assembly to require Sony and its subsidiary to conduct business operations in compliance with international standards and refrain from forcibly dismissing workers.

Sony workers’ union Sendai Branch head Matsuda Takaaki pointed out that Sony executives receive a large amount of compensation, and said that the company should use its financial strength to keep workers employed.