Read the | issued by the Japanese NCP concluding the specific instance - 3 October 2014
In September 2004, the Japanese received a request for review from the Local Union of Chemical, Energy and Mines of Bridgestone Tire Indonesia alleging that Bridgestone had breached the general policies, and employment and industrial relations provisions of the Guidelines in Indonesia.
The allegations covered a range of breaches, but specifically it was alleged that the company, in 2002, had inexpertly fired four union members who had played an active role in negotiations over union members’ minimum wages. Moreover it was alleged that the company had infringed the rights of the workers to organise or develop collective agreements via meaningful negotiations on conditions of employment.
The NCP undertook an initial assessment of the specific instance via the Japanese embassy in Indonesia and via exchanges with the parties concerned, while following closely the progress of judicial proceedings already underway in Indonesia. In 2008-2009 the Indonesian Supreme Court rendered judgments on the dismissal of the four employees and determined the amounts of compensation. Given this ruling, and the fact that the Japanese NCP has no authority to demand Bridgestone to take any actions that go against the judgments of the Indonesian Supreme Court, the NCP has concluded that the specific instance does not merit further consideration on the part of the NCP.
In concluding the specific instance, the NCP encourages the parties to make the utmost effort to have constructive discussions in order to resolve any outstanding differences of opinion.