"Myanmar workers in Japan join top labor group", 4 March 2020

A union representing employees who came from Myanmar has joined a major affiliate of Rengo, Japan's largest labor organization, underscoring efforts to improve conditions for foreign workers.

The roughly 130-member Federation of Workers' Union of the Burmese Citizen became part of the Japanese Association of Metal, Machinery and Manufacturing Workers.

...The group has members at major manufacturers such as Komatsu and Kubota, and wields influence in Japan's annual spring wage negotiations.

The Burmese union has received several complaints regarding unpaid wages and excessive overtime in recent years. JAM and the federation will negotiate with employers toward improving these conditions.

...The International Labor Union of Bhutan, formed by Bhutanese students in Japan last year, also will join the Japanese association. JAM aims to help Vietnamese and Japanese-Brazilians organize as well.

...Japan's unions have sought to organize irregular workers since the 2000s, responding to criticisms that they cater only to full-time, permanent employees. Many foreign employees tend to work irregular jobs, and they are considered more likely to face labor disputes because of cultural differences. Greater organization by foreign workers could force Japanese employers to adopt new ideas for human resources.