Japanese Labour Laws

Horowhenua Chronicle, 12 September 1916, Page 2

Japanese Labour Laws

• Ah a- result of a visit to California | !' st .veal' of I'. Suzuki and S. Yoshif lvatsu. representing the Labourers' Friendly Society of Japan, who (made 1 c. ca.reful study of American labour con(i'tion.s. labour laws have been enacted | in Jupan that will affect more than 1.000,000 Japanese wage-earners. I The main features of the law are prohibition of child labour in any heavy Iv. ork; the prohibition of employment . of male workers under fifteen yeans r-nd females of any age for more than twelve hours in a single day; and the prohibition of the employment of male operatives under fifteen and all females b.-tween the hours of 10 p.m. and 4 a.m., except in cases when the execu- ! tion cf a eentiiict is required. I Factory owners are required to give j at least two holidays a month to male operatives under fifteen years of , ago ; and to .toll females with tlio undierstand- ■ rug th:;-t this number iis to be doubled i:i case the work is carried on day ami ! night. The operatives are divided into ! two groups, each group working in 1 urn. j For such work as cleaning, oiling or repairing machinery in motion or the handling of explosives or poisonous or dangerous material boys under fifteen or females may not be employed. 7n ease of injury, through no fault of the operative, the employer is obliged to give financial .relief to the workman or his family. Fines are imposed fcr the violation of the law. The latest factory returns show that about 14,000 boys and 55,000 girls under fifteen yea lis of age are employed throughout the country. Considerable i discretionary power is. given the inspectors in enforcing the law, 'but it is thought that the enactment will re- < suit in widespread improvement of con- I 1 dltions. - I f I 6