Japan labor ministry rules: Filipino died from ‘overwork’ in 2014

MANILA, Philippines – A Filipino trainee in Japan who died by heart failure in April 2014 was recently discovered to have died by overwork, according to Japan’s labor ministry.

In a report by Japan Times, the Filipino trainee, identified as Joey Tocnang, was said to be working at a casting company called Gifu Prefecture, starting August 2011. Gifu Labor Standard Inspection said he cut steel and painting chemicals onto a mold for a living.

Tocnang died of heart failure in his company dorm in April 2014, just three months before he was set to return to the Philippines. However, just last Monday the labor ministry ruled his death has been recognized as “karoshi” or death by overwork.

His records revealed that he worked overtime of up to 122.5 hour per month which Gifu labor office said is a violation of labor laws.

Gifu labor office said they already sent the case against the employer of Tocnang, Takashi Chuzo-jo in Kakamigahara last March for prosecution for labor law violations. His family was also recommended to file for government compensation.

“Following his death, the labor office recommended that his relatives file for government compensation so that the connection between his job and his death would be looked into. Based on their application, the office recognized the claim in August,” the report raid.

Aside from Tocnang, the labor office also found out that the company exhausted two other Filipino employees and a Japanese worker. — Rosette Adel