Foreign residents working in Japan's non-regular employment sector should pay attention to recent developments in labor rights advocacy and workplace compliance issues that could impact their earnings and protections. Three significant stories have emerged highlighting both worker demands for better compensation and serious violations within labor oversight systems. According to NHK, non-regular workers are organizing their third consecutive "Non-Regular Spring Offensive" (Hiseiki Shunto) wage negotiation campaign for 2025. The executive committee leading this movement has announced plans to demand wage increases of at least 10 percent from employers, marking three straight years of double-digit raise requests. The committee justifies this aggressive stance by pointing to persistent inflation that continues to outpace wage growth, leaving many non-regular workers struggling to maintain their purchasing power. This campaign is particularly relevant for foreign residents, as non-regular employment—including part-time, contract, and dispatch workers—represents a significant portion of jobs held by expats in Japan. The spring offensive provides a collective bargaining framework that individual workers might struggle to achieve alone, especially those facing language barriers or unfamiliarity with Japanese labor negotiation customs. The distinction between regular and non-regular employment in Japan carries substantial implications for job security, benefits, and career advancement. Non-regular workers typically receive lower hourly wages, fewer benefits, and less job security than their regular counterparts, even when performing similar duties. The sustained push for 10 percent increases reflects growing recognition that current compensation levels fail to match rising living costs, particularly in urban areas where many expats reside. Meanwhile, a troubling scandal has emerged that undermines confidence in Japan's employment oversight system. According to NHK, Health, Labor and Welfare Minister Ueno announced investigations into labor bureaus nationwide following revelations that a Hello Work (public employment security office) employee in Tokyo used a false name to impersonate a job seeker and apply to companies posting job listings. Minister Ueno stated that authorities would thoroughly investigate the facts and take strict disciplinary action while examining whether similar misconduct has occurred at other locations across the country. This incident raises serious concerns about the integrity of Japan's public employment system, which many foreign job seekers rely upon when searching for work. Hello Work offices serve as crucial resources for expats navigating Japan's job market, offering bilingual services in some locations and assistance with employment regulations. The discovery of staff misconduct suggests potential systemic issues that could affect the reliability of job postings and the fairness of the hiring process. In a related development highlighting corporate compliance failures, NHK reports that the Japan Fair Trade Commission plans to issue a recommendation against a subsidiary of automotive manufacturer Suzuki for alleged "price beating" practices. The subsidiary reportedly maintained unreasonably low unit prices for parts even after production ended and order volumes dropped significantly, effectively forcing suppliers to accept unfavorable terms. This practice violates fair trade regulations designed to prevent larger companies from exploiting their market position. While this case involves business-to-business transactions rather than direct employment relationships, it illustrates broader concerns about power imbalances in Japanese workplace culture. Foreign workers, particularly those in non-regular positions, may face similar pressures to accept unfavorable conditions due to limited bargaining power or fear of jeopardizing their visa status. For expats working in Japan, these developments underscore the importance of understanding labor rights and available advocacy channels. Non-regular workers should consider whether their employers are providing fair compensation relative to inflation and market conditions. Those experiencing workplace issues should know that labor standards inspection offices exist to investigate violations, though the Hello Work scandal suggests oversight mechanisms require scrutiny. Joining labor unions or worker advocacy groups can provide collective strength when negotiating with employers, particularly valuable for foreign workers who may feel isolated or uncertain about their rights in the Japanese system.