Japan: Confectionery maker Chateraise accused of not paying salaries and unemployment benefits to 160 Specified Skilled Workers
"入管庁、シャトレーゼに改善命令 外国人に休業手当払わず, " 2 May 2025
[Unofficial description by Business & Human Rights Resource Centre]
Confectionery maker Chateraise received an improvement order from the Immigration Services Agency for failing to pay unemployment benefits to foreign workers employed under the "Specified Skilled Worker Program."
It was revealed that last year, due to the company's convenience, approximately 160 foreign workers under Specified Skilled Workers Programme were kept on standby without being paid their salaries or unemployment benefits. The unpaid amount, slightly exceeding 41 million yen, was subsequently paid following the improvement order.
In a statement, the company said:
"Since the issue came to light, we have taken steps to address the situation for the affected Specified Skilled Workers and implemented necessary measures to prevent a recurrence. We will further enhance our processes for verifying compliance with relevant guidelines and regulations, and strive to establish a system aligned with the intent of applicable laws and frameworks. We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience and concern caused."