No consecutive holidays for three years

Ms. Xim and others lived halfway up the mountain (about 700 meters above sea level) in Fukushima and worked at a poultry farm. It was about 30 kilometers to a supermarket, with no bus service, and the company would only drive them there once a month.

In addition, because shifts were scheduled among few people, there were never two or more consecutive holidays, including the New Year holidays, Golden Week holidays, and Obon holidays. The paid vacation schedule was determined by the company and was not at all sufficient to meet the number of days required by law.

For that reason, Ms. Xim had never gone outside Fukushima for about three years before completing his technical intern training.

Applying for paid leave for the first time

Application form for paid leave

A support group learned about the situation and gave advice to Ms. Xim. A trainee who has worked for six months or more may receive at least 10 days of paid leave every year. In June 2021, Ms. Xim handed an application for paid leave to the section manager of the company. The company did not give a positive response to him right away but eventually approved eight consecutive holidays.

She wrote the following on the application form:

• Name
• Signature
• Date of writing on the application
• Words “I apply for paid leave” 
• From and to what dates she wished to take paid leave
• Contact details during the leave

First trip in Japan in three years

In July 2021, Ms. Xim thus made a trip for the first time since she had come to Japan. She went on an eight-day trip to go sightseeing in Tokyo, Nagoya, and Kyoto. During his trip, she was able to  meet the teachers of his free online Japanese language classes.

Summary

Both technical intern trainees and regular employees are eligible for 10 days of paid leave after working for at least six consecutive months.. After one year, they get another 11 days of paid leave, and after another year, another 12 days of paid leave. When your company or union (supervising organization) does not accept your application, contact the Organization for Technical Intern Training (OTIT) or a support group.

Consultation in trainee’s native language by the Organization for Technical Intern Training (OTIT)

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