People the world over are aware that Japanese trains arrive at their destinations on schedule. If a train arrives at its destination over five to ten minutes later than scheduled due to accidents or weather conditions, many railroad companies distribute slips to passengers at the ticket gate certifying that the train has been delayed. Many schools and companies do not count those who present these slips as being late. One day, this came up in conversation when I talked to two Asian students who work at a restaurant managed by an acquaintance of mine. The male student who had worked there for long time said, “When I was delayed I handed the slip to the restaurant manager, but it was refused.” On hearing this, the affable female student exclaimed, “Really?” With an expression that showed he was unable to accept this, the male student said, “I was told part time staff were not covered.” I knew that it didn’t apply to part timers since they are paid by the hour. However, the female student said, “I have only worked here for about a month, but when I submitted the slip the other day, they didn’t treat me as being late.” Showing his displeasure, the male student said, “It’s discrimination. If they accept it, it’s strange that it shouldn’t apply to me who has worked here longer.” After this, as I had an opportunity to speak with the manager, I asked him about it. “Isn’t it unfair that the late slip only covers the hourly rate of this girl?” The manger had this to say: “These days because of the intense price wars between stores, it is difficult to raise the hourly rate, so no matter what we do to recruit, there just aren’t people who want to work for us.” “Therefore, we decided to treat part time staff who submitted slips as not being late.” When I said, “Have you informed the male student of this?” he had this to say: “Unfortunately, he has already quit.” (From August issue, 2014 / 2014年8月号より)
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