September 5, 2026

The Tokyo Metropolitan Youth Union and a Tokyo union for public-sector non-regular workers filed a motion requesting the ILO to recommend that the Japanese government strengthen labor protection measures in “sukima baito (gap-time gig jobs or spot work)” often criticized as low-paid and unstable employment.

The unions made this public on September 4 at a press conference held in the Labor Ministry office building.

“Sukima baito” is a Japanese term which refers to flexible, short-term jobs that workers can find and apply for through gig apps like Timee without the need for resumes and interviews. This work style allows individuals to choose work during their spare time and earn income relatively quickly, which is recognized as merits. On the other hand, it is pointed out that many issues are arising, such as last-minute cancellations and unpaid wages.

At the press conference, the unions criticized the Japanese government for not providing adequate protection to gap-time gig workers and thus failing to comply with ILO-set international labor standards.

Lawyer Murata Koji, who works on the issue of gig work, said that spot workers should also have their labor rights guaranteed, including the right to work safely and the right to social security.

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> Japan should ratify ILO Convention protecting platform workers without delay [August 24, 2026]