Japan group set up to protect gig workers’ rights

The Japan Spot Work Association, a group set up by a number of companies, will be setting up guidelines to protect the rights of gig workers. The companies involved in setting up the group include messaging app provider Line, Tsunagu Group, Sharefull, HR Solutions, and Wakrak.

Under current labour laws, gig workers are considered self-employed and therefore not guaranteed a minimum wage or employment insurance.  Some gig workers experienced far worse employment conditions than what was stipulated in the job description, writes Kyodo News.

READ: Japan to focus on flexible working in upcoming labour talks

“We will endeavor to create an upstanding industry,” Mitsuhiro Yoneda, CEO of Tsunagu Group and director of the association, said during a press conference.

Due to the spread of the Omicron variant, Japan has seen an increase in the number of gig workers due to higher demand for food orders through delivery services.