Foreign Workers Sue Japanese Firms in US Court over Exploitation and Non-Payment of Wages
Background
Many of the foreign workers previously employed by Kawaguchi Manufacturing Sdn Bhd took out loans to come to Malaysia for employment and are “in significant debt and at risk of debt bondage”, says activist Andy Hall.
The Lawsuit
The 251 foreign workers, all Bangladeshi nationals, plan to sue two prominent Japanese companies in Washington DC, alleging exploitation, mistreatment, and non-payment of wages. Hall, an independent migrant worker rights activist, is currently assisting prominent Washington DC-based lawyer Terrence P Collingsworth in coordinating the legal arrangements.
The Companies’ Offer
The two companies, whose identity is being withheld, had previously offered to pay each worker only RM20,000, which is insufficient even to cover loans the workers had taken out to cover recruitment fees and related expenses. The companies have also failed to support the workers’ re-employment, food, or medical related needs over the recent festive period.
Debt and Debt Bondage
Hall emphasized that the workers are still in significant debt and at risk of debt bondage. "In fact, a number of workers are still in significant debt and at risk of debt bondage," he said. "The RM20,000 sum was insufficient even to cover loans the workers had taken out to cover the recruitment fees and related expenses they incurred to come to work at the Kawaguchi factory."
Escalating the Matter
Hall said that the workers had on December 27, through Collingsworth, filed a formal complaint against the two firms with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development in Tokyo, Japan. "Neither of the companies is engaging constructively with Collingsworth, so we are forced to escalate the matter," he said.
The Next Step
The suit will be filed in the US "hopefully in the next week or so", Hall told FMT. The foreign workers will be seeking damages, compensation, and an apology from the two companies.
Conclusion
The case highlights the plight of foreign workers who are often exploited and mistreated by their employers. The workers’ decision to sue the two Japanese companies is a bold step towards seeking justice and compensation for their suffering.
FAQs
- Who are the foreign workers suing the Japanese companies?
The 251 foreign workers, all Bangladeshi nationals, who were previously employed by Kawaguchi Manufacturing Sdn Bhd. - What are the allegations against the Japanese companies?
The workers are alleging exploitation, mistreatment, and non-payment of wages. - What is the aim of the lawsuit?
The aim is to seek damages, compensation, and an apology from the two companies. - What is the current status of the lawsuit?
The suit is expected to be filed in the US "hopefully in the next week or so".