Unfair Dismissal / Despido Injusto

2025/03/21 BLOGAttorney Tawara Kojiro

Unfair Dismissal

Hello, I’m TAWARA Cristóbal Kojiro, attorney at law.

I frequently receive consultations regarding dismissals, so I would like to introduce a simple case example.

“I was suddenly told that I would be laid off at the end of next month due to financial difficulties. However, I am the only one being dismissed for this reason, and I am not responsible for the company’s poor performance. I don’t think this is fair. Can I challenge my dismissal? Can I claim compensation?”

Being dismissed from your job can be a shocking and frustrating experience—especially if you feel that the decision is unfair. However, under Japanese labor law, a dismissal is invalid if it lacks an objective and reasonable reason or if it is not considered socially appropriate (Labor Contract Act, Article 16).

Is My Dismissal Legal?

Your case appears to fall under redundancy dismissal (also known as economic dismissal), which happens when companies lay off employees due to financial difficulties. Since redundancy dismissals are not based on employee misconduct, strict legal requirements must be met for them to be considered valid. The court will assess the following factors:

・ Was the dismissal truly necessary? Could the company have avoided layoffs through other cost-cutting measures?

・ Were fair selection criteria used? Why were you chosen over others?

・ Were alternative options considered? Did the company attempt to reassign employees before deciding on dismissal?

・ Did the company provide explanations and consultations? Were you properly informed and given an opportunity to respond?

If any of these conditions were not met, your dismissal may be invalid.

What Can I Do?

If your dismissal is ruled invalid, your employment remains legally intact. This means:

・ You may be entitled to back pay. The company may be required to compensate you for the wages you would have earned since your dismissal.

・ You may claim damages. If you suffered emotional distress or financial hardship due to the unfair dismissal, you could seek compensation.

・ Legal action may be an option. A lawyer can help you negotiate with your employer or take legal steps if necessary.

Don’t Face This Alone – Get Legal Support

Unfair dismissals are complex, and every case is unique. If you believe your termination was unjust, consulting a lawyer is the first step toward protecting your rights and securing the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to discuss your case.

Despido Injusto

Hola, soy TAWARA Cristóbal Kojiro, abogado.

Recibo muchas consultas sobre despidos, por lo que me gustaría presentar un caso sencillo como ejemplo.

“De repente me dijeron que sería despedido a finales del próximo mes debido a dificultades económicas de la empresa. Sin embargo, soy la única persona despedida por esta razón y no soy responsable del mal desempeño de la empresa. No creo que esto sea justo. ¿Puedo impugnar mi despido? ¿Puedo reclamar una compensación?”

Ser despedido puede ser una experiencia impactante y frustrante, especialmente si sientes que la decisión no es justa. Sin embargo, según la legislación laboral japonesa, un despido es inválido si no tiene una razón objetiva y razonable o si no se considera socialmente apropiado (Artículo 16 de la Ley de Contrato de Trabajo).

¿Es Legal Mi Despido?

Tu caso parece ser un despido por reestructuración, lo que ocurre cuando las empresas despiden empleados debido a dificultades financieras. Como estos despidos no se basan en mala conducta del trabajador, deben cumplir con requisitos legales estrictos para ser válidos. El tribunal evaluará los siguientes factores:

・ ¿Era realmente necesario el despido? ¿Podría la empresa haber tomado otras medidas para reducir costos?

・ ¿Se usaron criterios de selección justos? ¿Por qué fuiste elegido sobre otros?

・ ¿Se consideraron opciones alternativas? ¿Se intentó reasignar empleados antes del despido?

・ ¿Se dieron explicaciones y consultas previas? ¿Te informaron adecuadamente y te dieron oportunidad de responder?

Si no se cumplieron estas condiciones, el despido puede ser inválido.

No Estés Solo – Busca Asesoría Legal

Los despidos injustos son complejos y cada caso es único.

Si crees que tu despido fue injusto, consultar con un abogado es el primer paso para proteger tus derechos y obtener la compensación que mereces. Contáctanos hoy para analizar tu caso.