Treated unfairly for joining a union. Illegal?

What the Law Says

Japanese labor law strictly protects workers' rights to organize and join unions without fear of retaliation.

Under the Labor Union Act, employers are forbidden from taking adverse actions—such as dismissal, demotion, pay cuts, or harassment—against workers because they joined, formed, or participated in union activities.

This protection applies to all private-sector workers in Japan, including part-time, temporary, and dispatched workers. It also covers attempts to interfere with union formation or collective bargaining.

Violations are treated as criminal offenses, carrying penalties including fines and imprisonment. Workers who experience such unfair treatment may also file for relief through labor tribunal procedures.

Statutory Text

An employer shall not discharge or otherwise treat a worker disadvantageously on grounds of the worker's membership in a labor union, participation in its activities, or efforts to organize a labor union.

— Labor Union Act, Art. 7 — Prohibition of Unfair Labor Practices

Statutory Text

Any person who violates the provisions of Article 7 shall be punished by imprisonment with work for not more than one year or a fine of not more than three hundred thousand yen.

— Labor Union Act, Art. 28 — Penalty

What to Do

Sources