Japan Press Weekly

Tweet

2021 November 10 - 16 [LABOR]

Union urges gov’t to introduce legal protection for independent contract couriers

The All Japan Construction, Transport and General Workers' Union (CTG, Kenkoro) branch of independent contract couriers on November 11 submitted to the transport, labor, and trade ministries a written demand calling for the prohibition of unfair business practices by major transport companies.

The branch also called for the creation of a legal framework protecting independent contractors from spending excessively long hours behind the wheel and the provision of legal protection similar to company employees regarding social welfare and working conditions including working hours.

This action took place as part of the union’s fight against unfair treatment of independent contractors by major transport companies, such as unilateral cuts in pay per delivery and non-payment for services, despite a sharp increase in the volume of home deliveries under the pandemic situation.

After the petitioning to the government ministries, the Kenkoro branch held a press conference in the Labor Ministry office building.

Branch head Takahashi Hideharu pointed out that amid the COVID-19 pandemic, major transportation firms forced independent contract couriers not only to accept unfair contract terms, but also to work excessively long hours. He appealed for the need to introduce a system that regulates the labor conditions.

The union branch on this day also visited Yamato, Sagawa, and other major corporations to push them to respond to the union’s demand for establishing fair-trade rules.