As mentioned in this month’s introduction summary of workplace harassment, there are six types of harassment recognized under the umbrella term Power Harassment. Let’s look at some examples of what they may look like and how the union can support members who face them.

Physical harassment evokes the image of managers leaning over their employees and slapping them on the head when they do something “wrong” or throwing books across a room. But if you’ve ever worked in customer service, you may know that more often, physical harassment and threats come from customers or clients – something society has come to recognize with the buzzword “kasu-hara,” or “customer harassment.” 

The Japanese government recognizes too that “power” isn’t restricted to management; the legal definition also encompasses relationships based on seniority, business knowledge, work experience, or even peer dynamics. As private schools value their students, and the money they bring in, it may be argued that they sometimes can be considered in a position of power beyond the teachers. 

A group of teachers working together at an international school have been facing a serious issue of violence. They have a few students who have made threats of violence and have even become violent towards them. The teachers raised their concerns to management, but have only been met with lukewarm ideas to fix the issue. They are frustrated with the situation and fear that the next outburst may be directed at them with no real safeguarding or repercussions in place.

Violence is a serious issue and Workers are supposed to be provided with necessary considerations to protect their physical safety while on the job, under article 5 of the labour contract law. This article is referred to as the “Duty of Safety Care” (anzen hairyo gimu), and requires proactive health and safety measures. With this in mind, the union is tackling the violence by not just calling it physical aggression and harassment, but rather by focusing on the key issue: protecting workers rights to a safe environment. We have submitted demands to the company and will posting an update at a later date.

Note: Are you in a violent situation now? Call the police. The union can help with labour issues, but if you’re being physically harmed, the police can help.

Injured in the workplace? You may be covered by worker’s compensation insurance. Report your injury at a clinic or a hospital and be sure to say it was a workplace injury. They will help you through the process.

The Heat is ON: Power Harassment in the workplace