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Labor law in Shizuoka is governed primarily by national legislation that applies across Japan, together with local enforcement and guidance from prefectural offices. Key national statutes include the Labor Standards Act, the Labor Contract Act, laws on occupational safety and health, minimum wage regulations, and laws on employment security and equal treatment. In practice this means employees and employers in Shizuoka follow the same core rights and duties as elsewhere in Japan, while local agencies based in Shizuoka handle inspections, consultations, and enforcement actions.
There are many situations where a lawyer who specializes in labor law can help. Common reasons include unpaid wages, wrongful dismissal, workplace harassment or discrimination, complex contract disputes, serious workplace accidents and workers compensation claims, disputes over overtime or working hours, issues with temporary or dispatched work, problems affecting foreign workers including status-of-residence concerns tied to employment, and collective bargaining or union disputes. A lawyer can explain your legal rights, preserve evidence, negotiate settlements, represent you at mediation or hearings, and litigate in court if necessary.
Important local aspects to keep in mind in Shizuoka include the following points:
- National rules set minimum standards: statutory working hours, paid leave entitlements, protections against unfair dismissal, and employer duties on health and safety all originate from national law and apply in Shizuoka.
- Regional minimum wage: minimum wage levels are set regionally. Shizuoka has its own prefectural minimum wage that employers must meet or exceed.
- Overtime and working-hours regulation: the Labor Standards Act establishes standard hours and requires overtime compensation. Employers must have formal overtime agreements to lawfully request significant overtime from employees.
- Occupational safety and health: Shizuoka employers must comply with workplace safety rules and report industrial accidents to the Labor Standards Inspection Office. Local inspections and guidance are provided by prefectural offices.
- Administrative and dispute services: Shizuoka has local offices that handle labor standards complaints, employment security, and consultations. Mediation and administrative remedies are available before going to court.
- Local economy and work patterns: Shizuoka’s mix of manufacturing, agriculture, tourism, and seasonal work can create recurring issues with temporary staffing, dispatch work, and technical intern trainees. Foreign-worker support and multilingual resources may be especially relevant in some sectors.
You have the right to clear information on working conditions such as pay, working hours, job duties, and leave. Employers should provide an employment contract or written terms setting out key conditions. You are entitled to the statutory protections under national law, including minimum wage, paid leave and workplace safety. Keep copies of your contract, pay slips and any communications about your conditions.
Under national law, standard working hours are set and overtime work is regulated. Employers must follow overtime rules and pay appropriate premiums when you work beyond statutory hours. Major overtime requires a formal agreement between the employer and workers. If you are concerned you are being required to work excessive hours, seek advice promptly.
Start by documenting the unpaid amounts and the dates involved. Raise the issue with your employer in writing and keep records of responses. If the employer does not resolve the issue, you can seek assistance from the local Labor Standards Inspection Office or consult a lawyer to pursue recovery through mediation or court. Acting quickly is important because some remedies are time-sensitive.
No. Dismissal must be objectively reasonable and socially acceptable under the Labor Contract Act and related rules. Arbitrary or clearly unfair dismissals can be challenged. If you receive a dismissal notice you believe is unjust, preserve all documents, ask for written reasons, and seek legal or administrative help as soon as possible.
Employers are required to prevent and address workplace harassment, including sexual harassment and power harassment. Many employers must establish internal policies and complaint procedures. If internal routes fail, you may bring complaints to relevant administrative bodies or seek legal remedies through mediation or court. Counseling and support are often available locally.
If you are injured at work, inform your employer immediately and seek medical care. Serious workplace injuries are covered by workers compensation systems. Your employer should report the accident to the Labor Standards Inspection Office. You can receive medical treatment and, depending on the injury and prognosis, compensation for medical costs and lost wages. Contact local labor authorities or a lawyer experienced in industrial accidents to make sure the claim is properly filed.
Fixed-term and temporary contracts are permitted, but there are rules to prevent abuse. Repeated renewals or long-term reliance on fixed-term contracts may in some cases be reclassified as ongoing employment. Disputes over contract status, renewals, or termination can be complex, so review your contract and consult a specialist if you suspect unfair treatment.
Foreign workers have labor rights equivalent to those of Japanese workers. Employment conditions, wages and safety protections apply regardless of nationality. However, immigration status can intersect with employment issues, so foreign workers should keep immigration documents current and seek assistance from support centers, their employer or legal counsel if employment problems risk their residence status.
There are several local services that offer consultations or referrals, including prefectural labor offices, municipal consultation centers, and national public legal support organizations. Local bar associations often provide initial consultation sessions. If you meet income criteria, legal aid may cover part or all of lawyer fees. Contact local administrative consultation services to learn about available support in Shizuoka.
Timelines vary widely depending on the issue and chosen route. Administrative consultations and mediation can be faster but are not always binding. Formal litigation will generally take longer and may involve multiple stages. Many disputes are settled through negotiation or mediation. Seek early advice to preserve evidence and choose the most appropriate and efficient path.
These types of organizations and offices can be helpful when you need information or action:
- Prefectural labor bureaus and the local Labor Standards Inspection Office for enforcement and workplace safety matters.
- Public employment security offices (Hello Work) for employment-related support and unemployment benefits.
- Municipal consultation centers and prefectural human rights offices for workplace harassment and discrimination issues.
- National legal support centers and local bar associations for lawyer referrals and legal aid information.
- Workers unions and trade associations for industry-specific support and collective bargaining assistance.
- Multilingual and foreign-worker support centers for non-Japanese speakers needing assistance with employment or residence issues.
Follow these practical steps if you need legal assistance in labor matters:
- Collect and secure documents - contracts, payslips, time records, emails, messages and any notes describing incidents.
- Create a clear timeline of relevant events with dates, times, and names of people involved.
- Try an internal resolution first if safe - raise the issue in writing to your HR department or supervisor and request a written response.
- Contact your local Labor Standards Inspection Office or prefectural consultation service for guidance on enforcement and administrative remedies.
- If the issue is serious or unresolved, consult a lawyer who specializes in labor law. Ask about initial consultation fees, scope of services, likely timelines and fee arrangements. If cost is a concern, ask about legal aid or low-cost consultation options.
- Consider mediation or administrative dispute resolution prior to litigation. Keep records of any settlement offers and agreements in writing.
- If you face immediate danger or criminal conduct, contact emergency services first.
Remember that time can be important for preserving legal rights and remedies. Getting timely advice will help you understand your options and plan a practical course of action.
Disclaimer - This guide provides general information only and does not constitute legal advice. For advice tailored to your situation, consult a qualified lawyer or local labor authority in Shizuoka.
