Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare cancels uniform guidance on overtime work "within 45 hours per month", to supervise according to actual situation

Regarding overtime work at companies, the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare on the 1st canceled guidance that required companies to limit overtime to 45 hours or less, even if the labor-management agreement allows for overtime work per month. Kenichiro Ueno, Minister of Health, Labor and Welfare, said at a press conference after the Cabinet meeting on the same day, ``This is to provide supervision and guidance based on the actual situation at workplaces and the status of measures to ensure health and welfare.''

Under the Labor Standards Act, if labor and management enter into a ``36 agreement,'' overtime can be up to 45 hours a month, and if a ``special clause'' is included, overtime can be up to 100 hours a month, including work on holidays. However, the Labor Standards Inspection Office has requested that even companies that have included special provisions limit the time limit to 45 hours, citing the growing connection with health problems.

The revision of overtime guidance was based on proposals from the Liberal Democratic Party and requests from the business community. The government will focus on confirming measures taken by companies to ensure health. Mr. Ueno emphasized, ``This does not change the upper limit on overtime (such as less than 100 hours per month),'' and ``We will continue to demand corrections to long working hours.''

This review also included consultation and support regarding the conclusion of the 36 Agreements. The Labor Standards Office and work style reform promotion support centers located in 47 prefectures nationwide will work together to support companies in concluding agreements.

Mr. Ueno said, ``It is important to have a correct understanding of the working hours system,'' and asked for understanding that ``if (companies) choose not to work overtime, they will not be induced to conclude the 36 Agreement.''