September 11, 2014

A network consisting of women workers who were dismissed or forced to “voluntarily” leave their jobs after pregnancy or childbirth requested on September 10 that the government create a law to prevent so-called maternity harassment at work.

Members of the network submitted a written request to the labor ministry, urging the Labor Policy Council to incorporate anti-harassment policies into a draft bill on promotion of women into managerial positions.

The members complained about unfair practices in workplaces, saying that they were suddenly dismissed after returning to work from childcare leave or pressured to accept early retirement during miscarriage-related sick leave.

Network Leader Osakabe Sayaka, 37, said, “We want the labor authorities to reflect our demands in their discussions on the draft bill.”

About 60% of women workers in Japan gave up their jobs after they become pregnant or give birth due to excessive long working hours, maternity harassment, and the difficulty in finding an available public childcare center. A government survey shows that 14% of former women workers quit their jobs because they were laid off or were offered early retirement.

Past related articles:
> Gov’t should prevent illegal labor practices against pregnant workers: JCP Koike [April 1, 2014]
> Worker fights against ‘maternity harassment’ [September 5, 2013]