Job Discussion Forums

[midnightpariah]

I am working at a small kindergarten in the country. I haven’t had any issues with my school in the 9 months that I’ve been working here. I am currently 13 weeks pregnant. I’ve informed my employers and they seemed okay with it. Today during a meeting, I reminded my boss that I would be about an hour late for work on Monday because I have an appointment with the doctor. Since he is the only English speaking doctor, I can only go during certain times, which I’ve explained in the past. Well, today the boss said that if I miss work to see the doctor, then I have to give up one of my vacation days in exchange. I didn’t think it was fair that I have to give up a whole vacation day for one hour of missed work. Plus, I’m not sure that this is exactly legal. I read through the labor laws on pregnancy. It doesn’t say that they can’t take away vacation days, but rather that they must accommodate your appointments. Has anyone had a similar experience? Is there anything I can do about this?

[mitsui]

If you miss an hour of work then one hour of a paid holiday can be deducted.

One day I was just one minute late to work so I lost one hour.

[fluffyhamster]

If your boss is going to deduct a whole day then take the whole day off (as paid leave (presumably LOL)). No point in going to work that day otherwise.

[mitsui]

Yes, it is wrong. Your boss should be reported to the labor board.
What prefecture are you in?

[nicenicegaijin]

Join the General Union before things start to get nasty, in that way you will have some form of protection.

[Yokaides]

People have been fired for much less. If you don't want any hassle, just take the full day off. You should have given at least 2 weeks notice. Japanese people usually don't make special accommodations, even in situations like yours. They just go push through, and go to work.

[nightsintodreams]

^^A new handle from our very own MAteacher/nicenicegaijin, I wonder...^^

Japanese people can and do take nenkyuu in chunks of as little as 15 minutes. And often do for medical reasons. Your reason to take time off is perfectly acceptable within the parameters of Japanese society.

At the end of the year, your unused nenkyuu should be carried over to the following year, BUT they will be rounded down to full days. So for example if you have 3 days and 6 hours nenkyuu remaining at the end of the year, only the 3 days will be carried over. Take this into consideration when using nenkyu.

[Maitoshi]

Thank you, Nights! This is useful information for many.

[Yokaides]

From a real life point of view, I would take the appointment on your personal time, either on a Saturday or Sunday. I'm being serious here, you will be seen as inconveniencing your workplace, even though they won't act like it. Your pregnancy isn't even considered a 'medical condition' to them, remember to keep your personal situations separate from work.

[TokyoLiz]

A little search turned up the info you need -

An employer must allow you to take leave for check-ups.

On the birth of the child, you get a lump sum benefit.

http://www.nic-nagoya.or.jp/en/e/archives/5679

A comprehensive description of employment rules
http://www.japan-payroll.com/japan-employee-benefits/

To second what Nights said, it is common for employees to take fractions of days off.

[midnightpariah]

Thanks everyone for the help. Lack of vacation days is the least of my concerns at this point. Now they are trying to straight up fire me because they don't want to have to find someone to cover me for my maternity leave.

[rtm]

[fluffyhamster]

The only job I ever had where taking nenkyu was relatively straightforward was on JET. Most Japanese employers would probably prefer it if you didn't inconvenience them at all! Edit: Oops, missed the bit about now wanting to fire, that sucks.