Japan Press Weekly

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2020 May 20 - 26 [LABOR]

JMITU members urge their employers to secure jobs and wage payments during COVID-19 crisis

The Japan Metal, Manufacturing, Information, and Telecommunication Workers' Union (JMITU) is now promoting a coordinated movement in which union members at each workplace submit to their employers a written demand calling for efforts to help workers survive the ongoing COVID-19 crisis with assurance of job security and wage protection.

As anti-corona efforts, JMITU demands that employers grant to all workers, including non-regular workers, “special” paid leaves apart from annual paid holidays if these workers have symptoms of illness, such as fever, or their family members suffer from the new coronavirus infections. The union also demands that employers not use the current pandemic to conduct unfair dismissals, forcible retirement, and cuts in working conditions.

Furthermore, the union urges employers to obtain a collective agreement before carrying out temporary downsizing actions including business suspension and layoffs and continue paying wages in full to workers by utilizing the government employment adjustment subsidy program and other government programs. The JMITU demands also include the disclosure of data regarding the impact of the current pandemic on business activities at each workplace and other information concerning business conditions.

JMITU chair Miki Ryoichi explained that in the metal and manufacturing industries, companies regardless of size are experiencing a tough time amid the COVID-19 crisis which hinders the supply of raw materials and spare parts from overseas bases in addition to negative impacts on business activities.

The JMITU chair said, “Our union organizes workers mainly in smaller companies in the metal and manufacturing sectors. They deepen their anxieties because since the COVID-19 outbreak, their companies’ business difficulties have been aggravated and their incomes have fallen due to a decrease in overtime work hours.” Miki expressed his determination to work hard to protect workers from job losses amid the ongoing crisis.

Past related articles:
> Role of labor unions vital to overcome corona-induced calamity [May 4, 2020]
> Workers in online May Day rallies: Loss-of-income benefits essential during COVID-19 crisis [May 2, 2020]