Nestle Japan eliminates coffee break for workers

Nestle Japan, the Japanese subsidiary of Switzerland-based multinational instant coffee maker, on April 1 suddenly cut 20 minutes out of a 30-min paid coffee break at its plants.

With this change, employees will be paid for only ten minutes out of the 30-minute break.

Contrary to its commercial message that says, "Coffee breaks are part of your life, a moment of importance," Nestle Japan will receive 190,000 yen a year from each Nestle worker for taking coffee breaks.

At Nestle Japan, workers had a 15-minute break in the morning and in the afternoon to refresh themselves with a cup of coffee in the canteen.

The Nestle Japan Labor Union immediately demanded that the company revoke the adverse change, which was made without consulting with the union.

It also filed a complaint with the Kobe Higashi Labor Standards Inspection Office and the Hyogo Labor Bureau. (end)