Kyoto man who did not want to work late into the night for childcare filed a lawsuit against his employer over demotion

KYOTO — A local man here filed a lawsuit against a Hokkaido-based jukebox store operator on Nov. 20, claiming the company demoted him and moved him to a subsidiary after he requested that his working hours be limited to care for his child. company regulations.

The man in his 30s, who works at a private jukebox shop in Kyoto, argues that his treatment was illegal and amounted to “paternal harassment”. Otaru is seeking confirmation of his employment status and damages from Orgel Doh Holdings in Hokkaido.

According to the complaint filed with the Kyoto District Court, the plaintiff was hired by the holding company in December 2022 when she requested restrictions on working late at night based on internal company regulations to limit night business trips for child care reasons. His boss later informed him over the phone that he would be demoted. When she contacted the company’s harassment office, the supervisor there criticized her, saying, “It’s your fault for not preparing the ground in advance.” She said the company president scolded her, saying, “If you want to focus on raising your child, you should resign.”

He was also forced to offer a written apology, stating that he had created confusion in the relevant departments and was told, “If you do not sign, your employment will be terminated.” The claimant subsequently developed a mental health issue and was placed on leave for approximately one year from April 2023.

The man described his experience as “a very painful ordeal, not knowing how to fight. A year and a half of pain.” Orgel Doh Holdings declined to comment on the issue as it had not received the complaint.

(Japanese original: Saki Hidaka, Kyoto Bureau)