Japan Press Weekly

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2014 November 26 - December 2 TOP3 [LABOR]

JCP efforts move gov’t take measures against ‘black part-time jobs’

Following a request made by a Japanese Communist Party lawmaker, the education ministry has recently taken steps to prevent illegal labor practices that exploit students working part-time jobs, Akahata reported on December 2.

Many students work part-time jobs under harsh working conditions, in so-called “black part-time jobs”. They are forced to work excessively long hours and endure unfair treatment. This has become a major social issue.

JCP Dietmember Miyamoto Takeshi in June at a Lower House committee meeting took up the issue and requested the government to take measures, including creating a counseling service for working students.

The education ministry on November 25 sent notices to universities, technical colleges, and local education boards. In the notice, the ministry urged them to inform students that local labor bureaus provide counselling on illegal labor practices in part-time jobs. In addition, the ministry demanded collaboration between education institutions and labor bureaus.

The Democratic Youth League of Japan has also petitioned universities and local governments to introduce measures to protect students from black part-time jobs’ harsh working conditions.

Miyamoto said to Akahata that JCP efforts in the Diet together with students’ movements brought about the education ministry’s decision to distribute this notice. He expressed his determination to continue to apply pressure by saying that in cooperation with students and the general public, the JCP will work hard to eliminate “black corporations” using workers and students under sweatshop-like conditions.


Past related article:
> ‘Black part-time jobs’ exploit students [June 7, 2014]