Japan Press Weekly

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2015 March 25 - 31 TOP3 [LABOR]

Gov’t will make public names of ‘black corporations’

Prime Minister Abe Shinzo at a House of Councilors Budget Committee meeting on March 27 said that the government will make public the names of so-called “black corporations” that use workers as disposable labor. Efforts made by Japanese Communist Party Dietmembers and workers have finally moved the state to take action.

Abe stated that the government “will publish the names of socially influential companies that repeatedly impose excessive hours of work in violation of the Labor Standards Act as soon as the labor inspection authorities direct these companies to rectify” a breach of the labor law. The release of their names is aimed to “prevent violations and promote voluntary improvement”, the prime minister explained.

At present, even though the Labor Standards Inspection Office gives directions to business entities to stop illegal practices such as forcing workers to work overtime without pay, the names of such companies are not published. Therefore, some companies ignore the suggestions from the labor enforcement authorities and remain unchanged.

Japanese Communist Party member of the House of Councilors Kira Yoshiko issued a written comment and said, “The release of the names will help increase public criticism against black corporations and will act as an important deterrent.”

She added, “It is also necessary to take additional measures such as increasing the number of labor enforcement officers,” and stated that she will continue working hard to eradicate black corporations.

Past related articles:
> JCP Kira urges gov’t to crack down on ‘black corporations’ [February 7, 2015]
> Labor ministry conducts first ‘black corporation’ survey [December 18, 2013]
> JCP proposes bill to regulate ‘black corporations’ [October 16, 2013]
> Labor ministry will inspect 4,000 ‘black corporations’ [August 9, 2013]