Japan Press Weekly

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2024 November 13 - 19 TOP3 [LABOR]

JCP lawmakers demand relief for laid-off workers in the wake of Funai Electric’s bankruptcy

Japanese Communist Party Dietmembers on November 12 demanded that the Labor Ministry provide relief to laid-off workers in the wake of bankruptcy of Osaka-based consumer electronics maker Funai Electric Co., Ltd.

Yamashita Yoshiki and Daimon Mikishi (both House of Councilors) and Tatsumi Kotaro (House of Representatives) interviewed ministry officials about the government’s response to the dismissed workers.

Funai went bankrupt with debts exceeding 40 billion yen. About 550 employees at the company’s head office were laid off immediately after the bankruptcy declaration, and more than 2,000 employees at group companies will lose their jobs.

Yamashita said, “The workers were unilaterally notified of their dismissal the day before their payday. They have not been paid. This is a dishonest practice that has no regard for the workers’ wellbeing. It is necessary to provide relief to them.”

The ministry officials said in response, “All ‘Hello Work’ job-replacement offices in Osaka are offering special consultations for the fired workers of Funai Electric. At present, 250 people have come for consultation.” The officials explained the procedures involved to apply for the recovery of labor claims such as unpaid wages in the event of company bankruptcy. They also explained the government system for replacement payment of unpaid wages, with the aim of helping workers who lost their jobs due to company bankruptcy.