Japan’s big manufacturers to keep workers amid virus

The metalworkers’ union has 2.1 million members from five different industry unions, including workers from automakers such as Toyota Motor Corp and Nissan Motor Co, as well as electronics makers such as Panasonic Corp and NEC Corp Nissan and Honda Motor Co are already furloughing workers.

TOKYO: Japan’s large manufacturers will likely keep many of their workers on payrolls even though the coronavirus pandemic has dented automotive, electronics, metal and basic industries, the chief of the Japan Council of Metalworkers’ Unions said.

Auto exports are at a standstill and the drop in demand for parts has rippled through suppliers of steel, electronics and other components, chairman Akira Takakura said in an interview this week.