As the effects of the new coronavirus continue, many companies have been cautious about raising wages due to uncertainty about the future during this spring battle.

"Hokkaido Express," a transportation company in Otaru City, Hokkaido, transports foodstuffs, miscellaneous goods, and other supplies between Hokkaido and Honshu, and about 160 people, including drivers, work there.



We handle more than 1.4 million tons of supplies annually, but the number has decreased by about 100,000 tons due to the cancellation of the event due to the spread of the new coronavirus infection and the reduction in production at our business partners' factories.

This is equivalent to 5,000 20-ton trailers.



Sales were about 5 billion yen last year, but this year it is expected to decrease by about 500 million yen, or nearly 10%, which has a big impact on management.



Under these circumstances, in the negotiations for the spring battle that began at the end of last month, the labor union demanded a wage increase of 5,000 yen and a summer bonus that exceeds last year by "base up" to raise the basic salary while maintaining the regular salary increase and allowances. Did.



The company explained that sales were declining and the outlook was uncertain, and said that it would like to raise wages only for regular salary increases and keep bonuses at the same level as last year.

In the negotiations that took place again earlier this month, the company repeated similar answers and continued negotiations, such as leaving the office many times to discuss the content.



There is also a complaint from the union that it is necessary to improve treatment to solve the serious labor shortage, and in the end, in addition to the regular salary increase, the base increase of 1000 yen for employees and the bonus are the same level as last year. We will reach an agreement on the content and will formally conclude on the 18th.



Mr. Yasuyuki Shibata, who is the executive chairman of the labor union, said, "I think that the spring battle is an important negotiation because it is a place to protect the lives of union members. I was at a loss. It is only when the union members work hard that the company's performance will be achieved, so I would like to work together so that the company and the union members can work together to make a profit and reflect it in their wages. " ..



Kazutoshi Minobu, president of "Hokkaido Express", said about the negotiations for the spring battle this year, "The decline in sales has a big impact on the company and it is a severe situation. It is difficult to raise the base and pay a lump sum because the outlook is uncertain. I think that the shortage of drivers has continued for the past few years and we have to raise the wages. When hiring and retaining young employees I decided that it was necessary for the company to raise wages. I would like to continue working to improve the working environment while discussing with the labor union. "

Employees ask for a wage increase

Koji Yoshino (41) of "Hokkaido Express" works as a full-time truck driver.



I carry groceries and agricultural products and work more than 10 hours a day at a pace of 5 to 6 days a week.

The salary is partly commissioned according to the amount of cargo, and the monthly income is about 300,000 yen at face value.



However, due to the influence of the new coronavirus, the amount of cargo has decreased and overtime hours have decreased by about 20 hours on average per month.

Income fluctuates from month to month, but overtime pay has decreased by an average of 20,000 to 30,000 yen per month.



On the other hand, I feel that the work burden has increased compared to before the spread of the infection.



One of them is working while feeling the risk of infection.

Truck drivers are essential workers who support society, and it is said that they have many opportunities to interact with people such as business partners and delivery destinations.



For this reason, when I come into contact with people at work, I always keep a certain distance, disinfect and wear masks thoroughly, but without knowing it, I get infected and transfer it to my colleagues and family at work. It is said that the anxiety that it may end up will not disappear.

Furthermore, disinfection is indispensable, and loading and unloading while wearing a mask makes me feel stuffy and physically burdensome.



Mr. Yoshino lives with his wife, elementary school students, and three children in kindergarten.

My wife works as a part-time childcare worker, but I want her to raise her wages as much as possible because her child's expenses such as education will increase.



Mr. Yoshino said, "Even if I can go home early, my salary will decrease by that amount. I think the company's business performance is tough, but I want you to raise your wages as much as possible."



My wife said, "I think it's a tough job to watch my husband. I want to save money for the future, but it's quite difficult."