THE ASAHI SHIMBUN
November 25, 2022 at 18:00 JST
An Uber Eats delivery worker on the job in Tokyo (Asahi Shimbun file photo)
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Labor Relations Commission ruled on Nov. 25 that Uber Eats delivery workers have the right to form a labor union and seek collective bargaining.
This is the first time in Japan that these rights have been recognized for gig workers who take one-off jobs posted online.
The Uber Eats Union, which consists of delivery workers, demanded collective bargaining with companies including Uber Japan regarding compensation for accidents that occur on delivery runs and transparency in how payment is determined. But the companies rejected their demands.
In March 2020, the union asked the labor commission for help over what it alleges are unfair labor practices.
But Uber said delivery workers are not regarded as normal workers who are protected by the Labor Union Law. It argued that they are sole proprietors and can choose their time and place of work, and even refuse a job offer.
The labor commission accepted the union’s claim and ordered the companies to respond to requests for collective bargaining.
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