More and more firms are stepping up downsizing programs by transferring staff to subsidiaries or offering generous retirement deals, according to a survey released Saturday by Japan's largest trade union group.
Large companies especially are giving workers heavier workloads, generally, without improving wages or benefits, according to the survey, conducted by the Japanese Trade Union Confederation (Rengo).
Rengo, which represents 8 million workers, asked 4,423 member unions in December and January to respond to questionnaires about working conditions in 1999.