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Employment Rights in Osaka are regulated by both national and local laws that aim to protect the interests of employees and employers. The foundation of employment law in Japan is the Labor Standards Act, which applies throughout the country including Osaka. This law sets minimum standards for working conditions such as wages, working hours, rest periods, safety, and health at work. Local ordinances and labor offices in Osaka also play a role in enforcing these laws and providing additional support to both employees and employers.
If you are facing workplace issues in Osaka, seeking legal advice can be crucial. Common situations where people might need a lawyer include wrongful dismissal or unfair firing, disputes over unpaid wages, problems related to harassment or discrimination, issues with employment contracts, disagreements about overtime pay, or when negotiating severance agreements. A lawyer can help you understand your rights, navigate complex Japanese employment laws, negotiate with your employer, or represent you if your case goes to court or arbitration.
Osaka, like all of Japan, is governed by several core employment laws:
Osaka has its own labor bureau - Osaka Labor Bureau - which enforces these laws and offers mediation services for workplace disputes. Labor unions are also active and can support both Japanese and non-Japanese workers.
The minimum wage in Osaka is set by the local government in line with national guidelines, and is regularly updated. Employers must pay at least the prevailing minimum wage per hour to all employees, including part-time and temporary staff.
Ordinary dismissals typically require at least 30 days’ advanced notice or payment in lieu of notice. Immediate dismissal is only permitted in cases of gross misconduct.
Yes, employees who have worked for six consecutive months and attended work for at least 80 percent of the scheduled days are entitled to paid annual leave. The number of days depends on your length of service.
Harassment is prohibited under Japanese law. You should report the incident to your company’s human resources department and you may seek help from the Osaka Labor Bureau or a lawyer for mediation or legal action.
Overtime work needs to be agreed upon in advance with a proper written agreement, and additional wages must be paid for overtime hours that exceed normal working hours as set in your contract or by law.
Yes, foreign workers have the same employment rights as Japanese nationals in terms of wages, working conditions, and workplace protections.
Many disputes are resolved through mediation at the Osaka Labor Bureau or with the help of a labor union. Legal action through the courts is also possible, though negotiation is encouraged first.
You can file a complaint with the Osaka Labor Bureau. Non-payment of wages is a serious violation and legal remedies are available, including back pay and penalties for your employer.
Yes, employees are free to join or form unions for the purpose of negotiating better working conditions, pay, and resolving disputes.
Consult a lawyer or one of the resources listed below. Some public agencies in Osaka offer free or low-cost review services for employment contracts.
There are several organizations and governmental bodies in Osaka that provide guidance and support for employment rights issues:
If you believe your employment rights may have been violated in Osaka or are facing any workplace issue, start by gathering relevant documents such as your employment contract, payslips, and any correspondence with your employer. Consider reaching out to your company’s human resources office about your concerns. If the problem is unresolved, contact the Osaka Labor Bureau or a local labor consultation service for guidance. For serious or unresolved cases, consult a qualified lawyer who specializes in employment law. Legal consultations may help you understand your options and the best way to protect your interests moving forward.
