Job Discussion Forums

daniel of blackmore · Joined: 16 Jan 2008 Posts: 5

My former school have withheld 10,000yen from my final wage packet. They seem to have deliberately mis-calculated what I should receive in order to screw me. I tried to explain to them today that they owe me another 10,000yen, at first they tried to fob me off with their "calculation" and when I pushed them they shouted at me that they are too busy and have no money. Funny thing is If they did indeed pay me what I`m entitled to the fact that they have no money right now should be of no consequence. So I understand that Nambu FWC cannot help former employees of companies, so where do I go now? I will keep trying to push them to give me my money but they will just keep shouting me down and telling me to come back when they are less busy, hoping that I will just give up and walk away. Could I even go to the police or is that too ridiculous? That`s what I`d do in my country but this is Japan and I am just a gaijin. By the way, I have of course retained my payslip to prove that I have been underpaid.

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

Police won't be of help.

Call the Labor Standards Office.

shuize · Joined: 04 Sep 2004 Posts: 1270

What country do you hail from that police would get involved in a private wage dispute?

Kootvela · Joined: 22 Oct 2007 Posts: 513 Location: Lithuania

Why don't you consult a lawyer?

shuize · Joined: 04 Sep 2004 Posts: 1270

Hoser · Joined: 19 Mar 2005 Posts: 694 Location: Toronto, Canada

Yes you do realize that 10,000 yen is only basically a hundred bucks don't you? While I would also feel screwed over and a little bitter I think all I would do is scream to the heavens about what a shitty school it was to any potential teachers looking for jobs. Oh and maybe throw a few eggs at their door.

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

Piddling sum or not, shuize, if he is owed the money, don't you think he deserves it?

If he is in the right, it's companies like that one that count on meek and/or ignorant foreigners to do nothing, and then they get away with it every time.

Stop them.

Kootvela · Joined: 22 Oct 2007 Posts: 513 Location: Lithuania

A lawyer's job is not to laugh, as far as I know. Plus, withheld money must be paid with a certain interest, I'm sure (in Lithuania this is 3% of the sum owed). Also, this is about teaching some scumbags a bit of respect towards employees!

shuize · Joined: 04 Sep 2004 Posts: 1270

parrothead · Joined: 02 Nov 2003 Posts: 342 Location: Japan

How about going back "when they are less busy", and trying a more subtle approach. I find softer and less threatening language far more fruitful.

Say things like: "I understand you're busy, but if you have time this week to talk about the pay discrepency in my last paycheck, could we set up a time to talk about it?"
"I'd be happy to talk about postponing payment for a couple of weeks if that helps you with your current financial situation."

Especially with former employers, it's important to leave under at least hospitable terms. You never know when you will need to list them on a future resume or list of references.

The threat of a lwayer over this amount hardly seems worth it in the long run.

Kootvela · Joined: 22 Oct 2007 Posts: 513 Location: Lithuania

There also should be certain insitutions like labour inspection where you could-if the worst comes to the worst- call annonymously on trust line and inform about that.