Japanese Manufacturers' Overtime Hours Down

Declines in electronic components and machinery pushed down overtime hours for the first time in 20 months.

Jul 2nd, 2007

TOKYO (Kyodo) - The average number of overtime hours worked in Japan's manufacturing sector decreased 1.1 percent in May from a year earlier to 15.4 hours, the first decline in 20 months, reflecting output adjustment by exporters, government data showed Monday.

Major declines were marked among electronic component and other machinery makers, the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare said in the monthly report, which is seen as providing clues as to production trends in the country.

Scheduled earnings per person fell 0.1 percent to 248,995 yen for the 13th consecutive month of decline.

The average monthly wage paid in cash, including overtime allowances and other nonscheduled payments, was down 0.6 percent to 274,091 yen for the sixth straight month of decrease.

The number of regular employees increased 1.7 percent to 44,282,000, up for the 41st consecutive month. The number of permanent employees rose 1.3 percent to 32,987,000, while that of part-time employees gained 2.7 percent to 11,295,000, the ministry said.

 

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