What is a black company? Characteristics, how to recognize them, where to consult, etc. for foreigners.

update date 2024/05/23

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Foreign women exhausted by black companies.

In Japan, so-called "black companies," companies that ignore the rights and humane treatment of their employees, have become a social problem. These companies exploit their employees through long working hours, low salaries, harassment, and other poor working conditions, which are especially dangerous for foreign workers.

In this article, we will explain in detail for foreigners how to define, characterize, and recognize black companies, as well as what to do if you happen to work for such a company. Please refer to this article if you are worried about your job search or about your current work environment.

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What is a black company?

In Japan, "black companies" that disregard the rights and human rights of their employees and force them to work under harsh conditions have become an issue. So-called "black companies" are companies that overwork their employees by forcing them to work long hours that are detrimental to their health or by paying them extremely low salaries.

How do you say "black company" in English?

A direct English translation of "black company" would be "Black Company," but this would mean "black company. More appropriate English expressions include "evil company" and "exploitative company. For jobs at factories and other workplaces, or so-called "blue-collar" jobs, the term "sweatshop" is also used.

Characteristics of Black Businesses

The main characteristics of a black company are as follows

. Harassment, such as power harassment and discrimination against foreigners.
Salaries are remarkably low.
Extreme amount of overtime work.
Overtime not paid.
... I can't get paid leave.
...few benefits.
Very short breaks.

If the company you work for meets any of these characteristics, you should be aware that it may be a black company.

How can I recognize a black company?

To avoid working for a black company, you need to be very discerning in your job search. Check in advance by talking to actual workers and checking reviews on job sites. Particular points to check are as follows

Check your salary.

It is of course important to check that the salary is not too low, but it is also important to check that it is not too high. Companies that offer salaries that are too high above average may have some problems, such as too much overtime or a disposable workforce.

Check for unnaturalness.

In addition to specific information such as salary and site reviews, another important checkpoint is the unnaturalness of the company, which feels "somehow strange". For example, a company that conducts a very brief interview and then immediately notifies you of employment may be disposing of its labor force.

Other companies whose job appeals are full of vague words such as "rewarding" and "dream" may be hiding a terrible work environment. Also, a company that has job openings anytime you look at it may not have people who will work there for a long time.

Where to talk to someone who works for a black company

If you determine that the company you work for is a black company, it is important to consult with the appropriate contacts to seek improvement or receive assistance in leaving. The following is a list of recommended places to consult.

Hello Work

After resigning from a black company, you can consult Hello Work for assistance, such as applying for appropriate unemployment insurance. Hello Work offers a wide range of assistance, including consultation on resignation and finding your next job, so please visit Hello Work first.

Reference:Hello Work Call Center Chatbot

Internal Reporting Desk

Starting in June 2022, companies with 300 or more employees are required to establish a "whistleblower office" to receive complaints from employees. If your company has such a contact point, it is a good idea to consult it first. If you consult with the whistleblower, you can ask the company to make improvements.

Working Conditions Consultation Hotline

The "Working Conditions Consultation Hotline" set up by the government offers free consultation regarding black companies. Since you can consult without revealing your name, your privacy is protected. Specialized counselors will give you detailed advice, so you can consult with them with peace of mind.

Reference:Working Hotline" (Working Conditions Consultation) ｜Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare

What to Exit a Black Company

If you are working for a black company, it is important to resign as soon as possible. However, because of the potential for trouble over resignation, you should be aware of the following points.

The company has no right to refuse your resignation.

When an employee offers to resign, the company may refuse. However, under Japanese law, if an employee wishes to resign, the company has absolutely no right to refuse. If the company refuses your resignation, stand firm and assert your rights.

Properly use up paid vacation time.

Paid vacation is a right that employees have. Black companies may not like you taking paid leave, but make sure you use all of your paid leave before you leave the company. If the company seems to have discouraged you from taking paid leave, you can ask for monetary compensation for this at the time of your resignation.

Consult the Labor Standards Inspection Office for salary problems.

If there is any salary or overtime pay that you have not yet received, be sure to receive it in full before resigning. If the company refuses to do so, you can report the matter to the "Labor Standards Inspection Office" for appropriate resolution. The Labor Standards Inspection Office has the authority to instruct companies to correct the situation, so you can certainly protect your rights.

Reference:Locations of Labor Standards Inspection Offices across Japan ｜Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare

When resigning from a black company, be persistent in asserting your rights and be sure to obtain appropriate compensation. It is important to keep these points in mind to avoid getting into trouble surrounding your resignation.

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summary

In Japan, there are many companies that disregard the rights of their employees, known as "black companies. The ability to identify black companies is essential when job hunting. If you feel that the company you work for is a black company, do not hesitate to contact the appropriate counseling service to seek improvement or to receive support for resigning.