What is a black company? Characteristics, how to recognize them, where to consult, etc. for foreigners.
In Japan, "black companies," which force workers to work under terrible conditions and environments, have become a problem. In this article, we will explain the characteristics of black companies, how to recognize them, and where to consult with them in an easy-to-understand manner for foreign residents.
What is a black company?
A black company is a company that does not respect the rights and human rights of its employees and forces them to work in terrible conditions. For example, they make employees work so long that their health is compromised, or they pay them unreasonably low salaries. Japan is said to have many black companies, and it is important to be careful not to work for a black company when working in Japan.
How do you say "black company" in English?
The literal translation of "black company" into English is "Black Company," but this would mean "black company. If you want to say "black company" in English, you should use "evil company" or "exploitative company" is more appropriate. For so-called "blue-collar" jobs, such as factory work, the term "sweatshop" is also used.
Characteristics of Black Businesses
Some common characteristics of black companies are shown below: harassment such as power harassment and discrimination against foreigners, too low salary, and too much overtime work. If the company you are working for meets any of these characteristics, be suspicious that it is not a black company.
- There is harassment.
- Salaries are too low.
- Too much overtime work
- Overtime work is not paid.
- Little or no paid vacation time available.
- Very little in the way of benefits.
- Break time is too short.
How can I recognize a black company?
In order to avoid working for a black company, it is important to carefully assess the company when you find a job. Ask people who actually work at the company or read reviews on information websites to make sure that the company you want to work for is not a black company. The main points to check are as follows
- Ask the people who actually work there.
- See our review of job search websites.
- Check your salary.
- Check working hours and benefits.
- Check the turnover rate.
- Check for unnaturalness.
Check your salary.
It is of course important to check that the salary is not too low,It's important to check if it's too expensive.It is. Companies that offer salaries that are too high above average may have some problems: too much overtime, disposable labor.
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 the company you are working for is a black company, you need to consult the appropriate place to ask the company to improve or support your resignation. Hello Work, the Whistleblower Hotline, and the Working Conditions Consultation Hotline are recommended places to consult.
Hello Work
Hello Work is recommended as a place to consult in order to receive a fair amount of unemployment insurance after resigning from a black company.
Internal Reporting Desk
Starting in June 2022, companies with 300 or more employees will be required to establish a "whistleblower office" to hear complaints from employees. If you work for a company that has an internal reporting office, we recommend that you consult with them first.
Working Conditions Consultation Hotline
The Working Conditions Consultation Hotline is a government-established service for consultation on black companies. You can get free telephone consultation, and you can hide your name to consult with them.
What to Exit a Black Company
If you are working for a black company, it is important to quit as soon as possible. However, when quitting a black company, the company may interfere or harass you in various ways. Remember the points introduced here and be prepared to deal with problems when quitting a company.
The company has no right to refuse your resignation.
When you quit a company, the company may try to deny your request. However, under Japanese law, when an employee wants to quit,The company has no right to refuse to do so.... If the company tells you not to quit, do not accept it.
Properly use up paid vacation time.
Paid vacation is a right you have. Black companies may not want you to use your paid vacation time, but make sure you use it all up before the day you leave.
Consult the Labor Standards Inspection Office for salary problems.
If you have salary or overtime pay that you have not yet received, be sure to receive all of it before you leave the company. If the company refuses to do so, contact the "Labor Standards Inspection Office" and report the company's illegal activities.
summary
Japan is said to have many black companies, and everyone can have problems with them. It is important to avoid working for a black company by learning how to recognize and take countermeasures.
