Article 19(1)A Labour Relations Commission is to be composed of equal numbers of persons representing employers (hereinafter referred to as "employer members"), persons representing workers (hereinafter referred to as "labor members"), and persons representing the public interest (hereinafter referred to as "public interest members").

(2)The Labour Relations Commissions are to consist of the Central Labour Relations Commission, Central Labour Relations Commission for Seafarers, Prefectural Labour Relations Commissions, and Local Labour Relations Commissions for Seafarers.

(3)The particulars concerning the Labour Relations Commission in addition to what is provided for in this Act are to be prescribed by Cabinet Order.

Article 19-2(1)The Central Labour Relations Commission is established under the jurisdiction of the Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare based on the provisions of Article 3, paragraph (2) of the National Government Organization Act (Act No. 120 of 1948).

(2)The Central Labour Relations Commission has the duty to defend the workers' uniting and promote the fair adjustment of labor relationships.

(3)In order to fulfill the duties set forth in the preceding paragraph, the Central Labour Relations Commission takes charge of affairs set forth in the provisions of Article 5, Article 11, Article 18, and Article 26 of this Act, administrative affairs concerning examination, etc., cases of unfair labor practice, (meaning the disposition of cases pursuant to the provisions of Article 7, the following Section, and Section 3 of this Act; the same applies hereinafter), administrative affairs concerning the conciliation, mediation, and arbitration of labor disputes, administrative affairs pursuant to the provisions of Article 35-2 and Article 35-3 of the Labor Relations Adjustment Act, and other administrative affairs belonging to the Central Labour Relations Commission based on other laws (including orders based on laws).

Article 19-3(1)The Central Labour Relations Commission is to be composed of fifteen members from employer members, labor members, and public interest members.

(2)The Prime Minister appoints the employer members based upon the recommendations of employers' organizations (for six of the employer members, based upon the recommendations of specified Independent Administrative Agency (meaning the specified Independent Administrative Agency provided for in Article 2, paragraph (2) of the Act on General Rules for Incorporated Administrative Agencies (Act No. 103 of 1999) the same applies in this paragraph, Article 19-4, paragraph (2), item (ii), and Article 19-10, paragraph 1)), state-owned enterprises that implement national forestry projects (meaning national forestry project as provided for in Article 2, item (ii) of the Act on Labor Relationship of Specified Independent Administrative Agency, etc. (Act No. 257 of 1948); the same applies in this paragraph and Article 19-10, paragraph (1)), or the Japan Post. The Prime Minister appoints the labor members based upon the recommendations of the labor unions (for six of the labor members, based upon the recommendations of the labor unions formed or joined by employees of specified Independent Administrative Agency provided for in Article 2, item (iv) of the Act on Labor Relationship of Specified Independent Administrative Agency, etc. (hereinafter referred to as "employees of the specified Independent Administrative Agencies" in this Chapter)); personnel of state-owned enterprises that implement national forestry projects provided for in the same item (hereinafter referred to as "personnel for national forestry projects" in this Chapter); or employees of Japan Post provided for in the same item (hereinafter referred to as "employees of the Japan Post" in this chapter). The Prime Minister, after obtaining the consent of both Houses, appoints the public interest members from among the persons stated in the list of candidates prepared by the Minister of Health, Labor and Welfare with the consent of the employer members and the labor members.

(3)In the case where the term of office of a public interest member has expired or a vacancy has occurred for a public interest member and the consent of both Houses cannot be obtained because the Diet is not in session or the House of Representatives has been dissolved, notwithstanding the provisions of the preceding paragraph, the Prime Minister may appoint a public interest member from among the persons stated in the list of candidates prepared by the Minister of Health, Labor and Welfare after obtaining the consent of the employer members and the labor members.

(4)In the case referred to in the preceding paragraph, subsequent approval by both Houses must be sought at the first session of the Diet after the appointment.In this case, if subsequent approval of both Houses cannot be obtained, the Prime Minister must immediately dismiss the public interest member.

(5)As to appointment of the public interest members, seven or more those members must not belong to the same political party.

(6)The members of the Central Labour Relations Commission (simply referred to as "members" in the following Article to Article 19-9) is to serve on a part-time basis; provided, however, that up to two public interest members may serve on a full-time basis.

Article 19-4(1)A person who has been sentenced to punishment of imprisonment without work or a greater punishment, and who is still under the execution of the sentence or who has not ceased to be subject to the execution of the sentence, may not become a member.

(2)A person who falls under any of the following items may not become a public interest member:

Article 19-5(1)The term of office of members is to be two years; provided, however, that the term of office of a member who is appointed to fill a vacancy is to be the remaining term of the predecessor.

(2)Members may be re-appointed.

(3)When the term of office of a member has expired, the member is to remain in office until a successor is appointed.

Article 19-6(1)A public interest member serving full-time may not perform any act falling under any of the following items while in office:

(2)A public interest member serving part-time may not perform any act falling under item (i) of the preceding paragraph while in office.

Article 19-7(1)A member loses their job in the case where the member comes to fall under any of the items of Article 19-4, paragraph (1). The same applies in the case where a public interest member comes to fall under any of the items of paragraph (2) of the same Article.

(2)When the Prime Minister finds that a member cannot execute their duties by reason of mental or physical disorder, a member has breached their duties, or a member has committed a misconduct unbefitting for a member, the Prime Minister may dismiss the member with the consent of the Central Labour Relations Commission in the case of an employer member or a labor member, or with the consent of both Houses in the case of a public interest member.

(3)Pursuant to the provisions of the preceding paragraph, if the Prime Minister has requested the Central Labour Relations Commission to give its consent to the dismissal of an employer member or a labor member, the member may not take part in the decision.

(4)The Prime Minister is to immediately dismiss a public interest member who has newly come to belong to a political party to which six of the other public interest members already belong.

(5)If seven or more public interest members have come to belong to the same political party (excluding cases which fall under the provisions of the preceding paragraph), with the consent of both Houses, the Prime Minister is to dismiss public interest members so that the number of public interest members belonging to the same party is six; provided, however, that the Prime Minister may not dismiss members who have not changed the political party to which they belong.

Article 19-8Members are to receive salaries, allowances, and other remuneration as prescribed separately by laws, and are also to be reimbursed the necessary expenses incurred in performing their duties as specified by Cabinet Order.

Article 19-9(1)The Central Labour Relations Commission is to have a chairperson.

(2)The chairperson is elected by the members from among the public interest members.

(3)The chairperson presides over the business of the Central Labour Relations Commission and represents the Central Labour Relations Commission.

(4)The Central Labour Relations Commission must designate in advance a member, by election by the members from among the public interest members, who acts on behalf of the chairperson in the case the chairperson is impeded from performing their duties.

Article 19-10(1)Local members for adjustment are to be established within the Central Labour Relations Commission representing the employers, the workers, and the public interest, to participate in conciliation or mediation in disputes and other cases arising between specified Independent Administrative Agencies and the employees thereof; between state-owned enterprises implementing national forestry projects and personnel thereof; and between the Japan Post and the employees thereof; as well as other disputes or other cases as provided for by Cabinet Order as those to be dealt with locally by the Central Labour Relations Commission; and to participate in procedures as provided for in Article 24-2, paragraph (6).

(2)The Minister of Health, Labor and Welfare appoints local members for adjustment with the consent of the Central Labour Relations Commission for each district specified by Cabinet Order.

(3)The provisions of the main clause of Article 19-5, paragraph (1) and paragraph (2); Article 19-7, paragraph (2); and Article 19-8 apply mutatis mutandis to the local members for adjustment.In this case, the term "the Prime Minister" in Article 19-7, paragraph (2), is deemed to be replaced with "the Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare"; and the phrase "with the consent of the Central Labour Relations Commission in the case of an employer member or a labor member, or with the consent of both Houses in the case of a public interest member" in the same paragraph is deemed to be replaced with "with the consent of the Central Labour Relations Commission."

Article 19-11(1)A secretariat is to be established within the Central Labour Relations Commission to organize the administrative affairs of the Commission, and the secretariat is to have a director-general and other necessary staff members appointed by the Minister of Health, Labor and Welfare with the consent of the chairperson.

(2)A local office that takes charge of administrative affairs in the local area is to be established in the secretariat.

(3)The location, name, and jurisdictional district of a local office are prescribed by Cabinet Order.

Article 19-12(1)A Prefectural Labour Relations Commission is established under the jurisdiction of the prefectural governor.

(2)The Prefectural Labour Relations Commission is to be composed of thirteen members each, eleven members each, nine members each, seven members each, or five members each for employer members, labor members, and public interest members, respectively, for the number as specified by Cabinet Order; provided, however, that it may be composed of the number of members adding two members each of employer members, labor members, and public interest members to the number specified by Cabinet Order, pursuant to the provisions of Prefectural Order.

(3)The prefectural governor appoints the employer members based upon the recommendations of the employers' organizations, the labor members based upon the recommendations of the labor unions, and the public interest members with the consent of the employer members and the labor members.

(4)The appointment of public interest members is to be made in accordance with the number of public interest members listed in the left-hand column of the Appended Table for the Prefectural Labour Relations Commission (for Prefectural Labour Relations Commissions composed of members with two members added to the number specified by Cabinet Order pursuant to the proviso to paragraph 2 of this Article, the number of public interest members that added those two members ), and the number of public interest members exceeding the number specified in the right-hand column of the Table must not belong to the same political party.

(5)When a public interest member has contravened the provisions of the preceding paragraph due to their actions, the member is to retire as a matter of course.

(6)The provisions of Article 19-3, paragraph (6); Article 19-4, paragraph (1); Article 19-5; Article 19-7, the first sentence of paragraph (1), paragraph (2) and paragraph (3); Article 19-8; Article 19-9; and paragraph (1) of the preceding Article apply mutatis mutandis to Prefectural Labour Relations Commissions.In this case, the term "on a full-time basis" in the proviso to Article 19-3, paragraph (6) is deemed to be replaced with "on a full-time basis pursuant to the provisions of Prefectural Order"; "the Prime Minister" in Article 19-7, paragraph (2) is deemed to be replaced with "the prefectural governor"; "with the consent of the Central Labour Relations Commission in the case of an employer member or a labor member, or with the consent of both Houses in the case of a public interest member" in the same paragraph is deemed to be replaced with "the Prefectural Labour Relations Commission"; "the Prime Minister" in paragraph 3 of the same Article is deemed to be replaced with "the prefectural governor"; "an employer member or a labor member" in the same paragraph is deemed to be replaced with "a member of the Prefectural Labour Relations Commission"; and "the Minister of Health, Labor and Welfare" in paragraph (1) of the preceding Article is deemed to be replaced with "the prefectural governor."

Article 19-13(1)As for mariners (excluding employees of a specified Independent Administrative Agency, personnel for national forestry projects and employees of the Japan Post; the same shall applies in this paragraph) covered by the Mariners Act (Act No. 100 of 1947), the authority of the Central Labour Relations Commission, the Prefectural Labour Relations Commission, the Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare and the prefectural governors as provided for in this Act is to be exercised, respectively by the Central Labour Relations Commission for Seafarers, the Prefectural Labour Relations Commission for Seafarers and the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.In this case, the provisions of Article 18, paragraph (4) does not apply to mariners.

(2)The Central Labour Relations Commission for Seafarers is to be composed of seven employer members, labor members, and public interest members, and Prefectural Labour Relations Commissions for Seafarers is to be composed of five employer members, labor members and public interest members.

(3)The Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism appoints the employer members based upon the recommendations of the employers' organizations, the labor members based upon the recommendations of the labor unions and the public interest members based upon the consent of the employer members and the labor members.

(4)The provisions concerning the Central Labour Relations Commission and the Prefectural Labour Relations Commission (excluding the provisions of Article 19-2; Article 19-3, paragraphs (1) through (4) and the proviso to paragraph (6); Article 19-4, paragraph (2); Article 19-6; Article 19-7, the second sentence of paragraph (1), paragraph (4) and paragraph (5); Article 19-10; Article 19-11, paragraph (2) and paragraph (3); paragraph (2), paragraph (3) and paragraph (6) of the preceding Article (limited to the part to which the proviso to Article 19-3, paragraph 6 applies mutatis mutandis); Article 24, paragraph (2); Article 24-2, paragraph (1), paragraph (2), the proviso to paragraph (4) and paragraph (6); Article 26, paragraph (2); and Article 27-23) apply mutatis mutandis to the Central Labour Relations Commission for Seafarers and the Local Labour Relations Commission for Seafarers.In this case, the term "seven or more" in Article 19-3, paragraph (5) is deemed to be replaced with "three or more"; "the Prime Minister" in Article 19-7, paragraph (2) is deemed to be replaced with "the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism"; the phrase "with the consent of the Central Labour Relations Commission in the case of an employer member or a labor member, or with the consent of both Houses in the case of a public interest member" in the same paragraph is deemed to be replaced with "the Central Labour Relations Commission for Seafarers"; "the Prime Minister" in paragraph (3) of the same Article is deemed to be replaced with "the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism"; "an employer member or a labor member" in the same paragraph is deemed to be replaced with "a member of the Central Labour Relations Commission for Seafarers"; "the Minister of Health, Labor and Welfare" in Article 19-11, paragraph (1) is deemed to be replaced with "the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism"; "under the jurisdiction of the prefectural governors" in paragraph (1) of the preceding Article is deemed to be replaced with "whose jurisdictional district is to be that of each District Transport Bureau (excluding areas specified by Cabinet Order for District Transport Bureaus prescribed by Cabinet Order) and the areas specified by the Cabinet Order, and until otherwise provided for by law, the areas of Okinawa Prefecture"; "the prefectural governor" in paragraph (6) of the same Article is deemed to be replaced with "the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism"; "In cases concerning the labor relationship of employees of specified Independent Administrative Agency, personnel for national forestry projects, or employees of the Japan Post, the Central Labour Relations Commission assumes exclusive jurisdiction over the conciliation, mediation, arbitration, and disposition (as for disposition under the provisions of Article 5, paragraph (1), and Article 11, paragraph (1) concerning a labor union which is formed or joined by employees of specified Independent Administrative Agency, personnel for national forestry projects, and employees of the Japan Post, the disposition is to be limited to that specified by Cabinet Order); and the Central Labour Relations Commission is to assume initial jurisdiction over the conciliation, mediation, arbitration, and disposition; and "two or more prefectures" in Article 25, paragraph (1) is deemed to be replaced with "two or more jurisdictional districts of the Local Labour Relations Commission for Seafarers."

(5)The provisions of paragraph (5) of the preceding Article apply mutatis mutandis to a public interest member of the Central Labour Relations Commission for Seafarers.

Article 20In addition to those particulars provided under the provisions of Articles 5, Article 11, and Article 18, the Labour Relations Commission has the authority to conduct examinations, etc., of unfair labor practice cases and perform conciliation, mediation and arbitration of labor disputes.

Article 21(1)When a Labour Relations Commission finds it necessary for the public interest, its meetings may be opened to the public.

(2)The meetings of a Labour Relations Commission is convened by the chairperson.

(3)The Labour Relations Commission may not hold a meeting nor make any decision unless one or more employer members, labor members, and public interest members are present.

(4)Decisions are to be made by a majority of the members present, and in the case of tie in votes, the chairperson is to make the decision.

Article 22(1)If a Labour Relations Commission finds it necessary for performing its administrative affairs, it may request the attendance, submission of reports or necessary books and documents, by the employer or the employers' organization or the labor union, or other persons concerned. The Labour Relations Commission may also have its members or staff members (hereinafter simply referred to as "staff members") inspect factories and other relevant workplaces and inspect the business situations, books and documents and other objects.

(2)In cases where a Labour Relations Commission has its members or staff members inspect or investigate the places pursuant to the preceding paragraph, the Commission must require them to carry an identification card and to present the card to the persons concerned.

Article 23Members or those who have been members, as well as staff members or those who have been staff members of a Labour Relations Commission, must not disclose any secrets obtained in relation to their duties. The same applies to local members for adjustment or those who have been local members for adjustment of the Central Labour Relations Commission.

Article 24(1)The public interest members of a Labour Relations Commission participate in the disposition of cases as prescribed in Article 5 and Article 11; examinations, etc., of unfair labor practice cases (referred to as "examinations, etc." in the following Article); and dispositions of cases as prescribed in Article 42 of the Labor Relations Adjustment Act; provided, however, that employer members and labor members may participate in the procedures for conducting an investigation (limited to cases in which the public interest members so request) and holding a hearing pursuant to the provisions of Article 27, paragraph (1) (including as applied mutatis mutandis pursuant to Article 27-17) and in the procedures for recommending a settlement pursuant to the provisions of Article 27-14, paragraph (1) (including as applied mutatis mutandis pursuant to Article 27-17), or may perform an act pursuant to the provisions of Article 27-7, paragraph (4) and Article 27-12, paragraph (2) (including as applied mutatis mutandis pursuant to Article 27-17).

(2)The Central Labour Relations Commission may have public interest members serving full time investigate the situations of labor relationships of employees of specified Independent Administrative Agencies, personnel for national forestry projects, and employees of the Japan Post, and other particulars found necessary for performing administrative affairs of the Central Labour Relations Commission, in addition to those related to the cases pending before the Central Labour Relations Commission.

Article 24-2(1)The Central Labour Relations Commission conducts its examinations, etc., through a panel, consisting of five public interest members appointed by the chairperson.

(2)Notwithstanding the provisions of the preceding paragraph, in cases that fall under any of the following items, a panel consisting of all public interest members conducts the examinations, etc.:

(3)The Central Labour Relations Commission for Seafarers conducts the examinations, etc., through its panel consisting of all public interest members; provided, however, that a panel consisting of five public interest members appointed by the chairperson may conduct examinations, etc. In this case, the provisions of the preceding paragraph apply mutatis mutandis to the Central Labour Relations Commission for Seafarers.

(4)A Prefectural Labour Relations Commission conducts the examinations, etc., through its panel, consisting of all public interest members; provided, however, that a panel consisting of five or seven public interest members appointed by the chairperson may conduct examinations, etc. In this case, the provisions of paragraph (2) (except items (i) and (iv)) apply mutatis mutandis to Prefectural Labour Relations Commissions.

(5)A Labour Relations Commission, in conducting examinations, etc., in accordance with the provisions of the preceding paragraphs (including as applied mutatis mutandis pursuant to Article 19-13, paragraph (4)), have one or more public interest members carry out the procedures for examinations etc., in whole or in part (excluding disposition under the provisions of Article 5, paragraph (1), Article 11, paragraph (1), Article 27-4, paragraph (1) (including as applied mutatis mutandis pursuant to Article 27-17); Article 27-7, paragraph 1 (including as applied mutatis mutandis pursuant to Article 27-17, other than parts where the parties concerned or witnesses are made to give a statement or where the submitted objects are retained); Article 27-10, paragraphs (2) and (4), and Article 27-12, paragraph (1) (including as applied mutatis mutandis pursuant to Article 27-17); and a motion under Article 27-20; the same applies in the following paragraph).

(6)Among the procedures for examination, etc., carried out by the Central Labour Relations Commission, the Central Labour Relations Commission may have the local members for adjustment representing the public interest undertake the procedures in whole or in part in making an investigation and holding a hearing pursuant to the provisions of Article 27, paragraph (1) (including as applied mutatis mutandis pursuant to Article 27-17), and the procedures in whole or in part in recommending a settlement pursuant to the provisions of Article 27-14, paragraph (1) (including as applied mutatis mutandis pursuant to Article 27-17).In this case, the local members for adjustment representing the employers and the local members for adjustment representing the workers may participate in those procedures (for the procedures in conducting an investigation, limited to the case where the local members for adjustment representing the public interest so request).

Article 25(1)In cases concerning the labor relationships of employees of specified Independent Administrative Agencies, personnel for national forestry projects, or employees of the Japan Post, the Central Labour Relations Commission assumes exclusive jurisdiction over the conciliation, mediation, arbitration, and disposition (for dispositions under the provisions of Article 5, paragraph (1) and Article 11, paragraph (1) concerning a labor union that is formed or joined by employees of specified Independent Administrative Agencies, personnel for national forestry projects, or employees of the Japan Post, the dispositions are limited to those specified by Cabinet Order); and the Central Labour Relations Commission assumes priority jurisdiction over the conciliation, mediation, arbitration, and disposition of cases which extend over two or more prefectures or which are related to issues of national significance.

(2)The Central Labour Relations Commission may re-examine the dispositions of the Prefectural Labour Relations Commission pursuant to the provisions of Articles 5, paragraph (1); Article 11, paragraph (1); and Article 27-12, paragraph (1), with full authority to rescind, approve, or modify the dispositions, or dismiss an appeal for re-examination of those dispositions. The re-examination is to be conducted based on an appeal of either party to the disposition of the Prefectural Labour Relations Commission, or by the Central Labour Commission's authority.

Article 26(1)The Central Labour Relations Commission may establish rules for its procedures as well as for the Prefectural Labour Relations Commission's procedures.

(2)The Prefectural Labour Relations Commission may establish rules on matters concerning the convocation of its meetings and other particulars specified by Cabinet Order to the extent that they do not violate the regulation set forth in the preceding paragraph.

Article 27(1)If a motion that an employer has violated the provisions of Article 7 is received, the Labour Relations Commission must conduct an investigation without delay and, if it is found necessary, hold a hearing on whether there are reasons for filing the motion.In this case, sufficient opportunity to submit evidence and to cross-examine the witnesses must be given to the employer and to the movant for the procedures of the hearing.

(2)A Labour Relations Commission may not accept a motion set forth in the preceding paragraph when more than one year has elapsed since the day on which the act in question was committed (in the case of a continuing act, the date on which the act was finished).

Article 27-2(1)A public interest member is disqualified from execution of duties concerning examinations in the case where the member falls under any of the following items:

(2)If any of the causes for disqualification prescribed in the preceding paragraph apply, the party to the case may file a motion for the disqualification of the public interest member in question.

Article 27-3(1)If a public interest member has any circumstances which should preclude fair examination, the party may challenge the public interest member.

(2)The party may not challenge a public interest member after the party has made a statement in writing or orally on the case to the Labour Relations Commission; provided, however, that this does not apply to a party who did not know the existence of grounds for a challenge, or when the grounds for a challenge arose after the statement was made.

Article 27-4(1)The Labour Relations Commission makes decisions on motions for disqualification or challenge.

(2)Public interest members who are involved in the motion for disqualification or challenge may not participate in the decisions set forth in the preceding paragraph; provided, however, that the members may state their opinions.

(3)The decisions made pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (1) are to be made in writing with the reasons attached.

Article 27-5If a motion for disqualification or challenge has been filed, the Labour Relations Commission must suspend the examination procedures until a decision is made concerning the motion; provided, however, that this does not apply when urgent action is required.

Article 27-6(1)Prior to commencement of a hearing, the Labour Relations Commission must hear the opinions of both parties and establish an examination plan.

(2)The examination plan set forth in the preceding paragraph must include the following information:

(3)The Labour Relations Commission may change the examination plan upon hearing the opinions of both parties if it finds that the change is necessary in consideration of the present state of examination and other circumstances.

(4)The Labour Relations Commission and the parties must endeavor to ensure that examinations are conducted in accordance with the examination plan, so as to realize a proper and expeditious examination.

Article 27-7(1)The Labour Relations Commission, upon motion by either party or by the Labour Relations Commission's authority, may examine evidence by the methods listed in item (ii) for the procedures for investigation, and by the methods listed in the following items for the procedures for hearings:

(2)The Labour Relations Commission, when deciding whether or not to make a disposition to issue an order to submit objects pursuant to the provision of item (ii) of the preceding paragraph (hereinafter referred to as the "order to submit objects"), must take into consideration the protection of secrets of individuals and business secrets of companies.

(3)The Labour Relations Commission, in issuing an order to submit objects, may order the submission of the objects other than the parts the submission of which it finds unnecessary or inappropriate as a result of consideration taken pursuant to the provision of the preceding paragraph.

(4)Employer members and labor members who participate in the procedure for investigations or hearings may state opinions when the Labour Relations Commission intends to issue an order to the parties or witnesses to appear pursuant to the provisions of paragraph 1, item (i) (hereinafter referred to as the "order to appear as witnesses, etc."), or intends to order the submission of the objects.

(5)The Labour Relations Commission, when it has examined evidence by its authority, must hear the opinions of the parties about the results of the examination.

(6)The motion for an order to submit objects must be filed with clarification of the following information:

(7)The Labour Relations Commission, before issuing an order to submit objects, must interrogate the holders of the objects.

(8)The Labour Relations Commission, when issuing an order to submit objects, must clarify the information listed in each item (except for item (iii)) of paragraph 6.

Article 27-8(1)The Labour Relations Commission, when having witnesses give a statement, must have them take an oath.

(2)The Labour Relations Commission, when having the parties give a statement, may have them take an oath.

Article 27-9The provisions of Article 196, Article 197, and Article 201 paragraphs (2) to (4) of the Code of Civil Procedure (Act No. 109 of 1996) apply mutatis mutandis to the procedures whereby a Labour Relations Commission has witnesses give a statement. The provisions of Article 201, paragraph (2) as applied mutatis mutandis pursuant to the provisions of Article 210 of the same Act apply mutatis mutandis to the procedure in which a Labour Relations Commission has the parties give a statement.

Article 27-10(1)When persons have received an order to appear as witnesses, etc., or an order to submit objects from a Prefectural Labour Relations Commission (hereinafter referred to as an "order, etc., to appear as witnesses, etc." in this Article) and are dissatisfied with the order, etc., to appear as witnesses, etc., those persons may appeal to the Central Labour Relations Commission in writing for examination stating the reasons within one week from the day when they received the order, etc., to appear as witnesses, etc., (when there are compelling reasons such as natural disaster for not appealing within that period, within one week from the day following the date the reasons have ceased to exist).

(2)In the case that the Central Labour Relations Commission finds that there is a reason for the appeal for examination pursuant to the provisions of the preceding paragraph, it shall rescind the whole or part of the order, etc., to appear as witnesses, etc.

(3)When persons have received an order, etc., to appear as witnesses, etc., from the Central Labour Relations Commission and are dissatisfied with the order, the persons may file a written objection to the Central Labour Relations Commission, stating the reasons within one week from the day when they received the order, etc., to appear as witnesses, etc. (when there are compelling reasons such as natural disaster for not appealing within that period, within one week from the day following the date the reasons have ceased).

(4)In the case that the Central Labour Relations Commission finds that there is a reason for filing of an objection pursuant to the provisions of the preceding paragraph, it rescinds the whole or part of the order, etc., to appear as witnesses, etc., or modifies the order.

(5)The proceedings of request for examination or filing of an objection is executed in writing.

(6)The Central Labour Relations Commission may interrogate persons who request examination or file an objection by its authority.

Article 27-11The Labour Relations Committee may order persons interfering hearings to leave the courtroom, and take other necessary measures to maintain order at hearing tribunals.

Article 27-12(1)The Labour Relations Commission, when the case is ready to issue of an order, must certify the facts and, on the basis of the certification, admit the whole or part of the relief related to the request of the movant, or issue an order to dismiss the motion (hereinafter referred to as the "order for relief, etc.").

(2)Employer members and labor members who participate in the procedure for an investigation or hearing may state opinions in the case that the Labour Relations Commission intends to issue an order for relief, etc.

(3)The certification of facts and the order for relief, etc. set forth in paragraph (1) is to be executed in writing, and their copies must be delivered to the employer and the movant.

(4)An order for relief, etc. becomes effective on the day of the delivery.

Article 27-13(1)An order for relief, etc. becomes final and binding when the employer has not filed an action for rescission provided by Article 27-19, paragraph (1) within the period set forth in the same paragraph.

(2)If the employer does not accede to the final and binding order for relief, etc., the Labour Relations Commission must notify the district court with jurisdiction over the location of the employer to that effect. Labor unions and workers may also make this notification.

Article 27-14(1)The Labor Relations Commission may recommend settlement to the parties at any time in the course of the examination.

(2)When a settlement has been established between the parties and both parties make motions before the order for relief, etc. becomes final and binding, and when the Labour Relations Commission finds that the content of the settlement is appropriate to maintain or establish normal order of labor relationships between the parties, the examination procedure is terminated.

(3)In cases as prescribed in the preceding paragraph, the order for relief, etc. already issued for the case related to the settlement (limited to the settlement that the Labour Relations Commission finds appropriate pursuant to the provisions of the preceding paragraph; the same applies in the following paragraph) ceases to be effective.

(4)The Labour Relations Commission, in the case that a settlement includes agreement on payments of a certain amount of money or delivery of a certain quantity of fungible things or securities, draw up a record of settlement concerning the agreement upon request from both parties.

(5)The record of settlement prescribed in the preceding paragraph, where compulsory execution is concerned, is deemed to be the title of obligation listed in Article 22, item (v) of the Civil Execution Act (Act No. 4 of 1979).

(6)Granting of certificate of execution concerning the title of obligation set forth in the preceding paragraph is performed by the chairperson of the Labour Relations Commission. The service of the certificate of execution and the transcript of the documents pursuant to the second sentence of Article 29 of the Civil Execution Act are to be made in the same way.

(7)Trial on objections concerning the granting of the certificate of execution, pursuant to the provisions of the preceding paragraph, is to be conducted at the district court having jurisdiction over the location of the Labour Relations Commission.

(8)Particulars necessary for the services of the record of settlement set forth in paragraph (4), and the certificate of execution and transcript of documents pursuant to the second sentence of paragraph (6) are specified by Cabinet Order.

Article 27-15(1)When receiving order for relief, etc. from a Prefectural Labour Relations Commission, employers may request re-examination to the Central Labour Relations Commission within fifteen days (if there are compelling reasons, such as natural disaster for not making a request within that period, within one week from the day following the date the reasons ceased to exist); provided, however, that the request does not suspend the validity of the order for relief, etc., and the order for relief, etc. ceases to be effective when the Central Labour Relations Commission rescinds or modifies the order as a result of re-examination conducted pursuant to the provisions of Article 25, paragraph (2).

(2)The provisions of the preceding paragraph apply mutatis mutandis to requests for re-examination by labor unions or workers of the Central Labour Relations Commission.

Article 27-16The Central Labour Relations Commission may not re-examine an order for relief, etc. when the whole or part of the order for relief, etc. by a Prefectural Labour Relations Commission is supported by a final and binding judgment based on the action pursuant to Article 27-19, paragraph (1).

Article 27-17The provisions of Article 27, paragraph (1); Article 27-2 through Article 27-9; Article 27-10, paragraphs (3) through (6); and Article 27-11 through Article 27-14 apply mutatis mutandis to the procedure for re-examination taken by the Central Labour Relations Commission.In this case, the phrase "when the public member bears witness to the case" in Article 27-2, paragraph (1), item (iv) is deemed to be replaced with "when the public member bears witness to the case, or when the public member gets involved in the order for relief, etc. of a Prefectural Labour Relations Commission which has already been issued for the case."

Article 27-18The Labour Relations Commission, for the purpose of conducting expeditious examinations, is to set a target for the period of examination, and publicize the degree of achievement of the target and any other implementation status of the examination.

Article 27-19(1)When an employer has not requested the Central Labour Relations Commission to review an order for relief, etc. by the Prefectural Labour Relations Commission, or when the Central Labour Relations Commission has issued an order for relief, etc., the employer may file an action for rescission of the order for relief, etc. within thirty days from the day on which the order-for-relief, etc. was delivered. This period is unextendable.

(2)When an employer has requested the Central Labour Relations Commission to re-examine an order pursuant to the provisions of Article 27-15, paragraph (1), the employer may file an action for rescission only against the order for relief, etc. by the Central Labour Relations Commission for that request. The provisions of Article 12, paragraphs (3) through paragraph (5) of the Administrative Case Litigation Act (Act No. 139 of 1962) do not apply to this action.

(3)The provisions of the preceding paragraph apply mutatis mutandis to actions for rescission filed by labor unions or workers, pursuant to the Administrative Case Litigation Act.

Article 27-20In the case where an employer has filed an action to a court pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (1) of the preceding Article, the court in charge of the case, at the request of the Labour Relations Commission which has issued the order for relief, etc., may order the employer to comply with the whole or part of the order for relief, etc. in accordance with a ruling until the judgment becomes final and binding, or rescind or modify this ruling upon the request from the parties or by its authority.

Article 27-21A person who has not submitted an object notwithstanding the order to submit objects by the Labour Relations Commission (excluding persons who are not the party to the procedure for examination) may not offer evidence for the object to the court to prove facts which could be certified by the object specified in the order to submit objects; provided, however, that this does not apply when it is found that there are legitimate grounds for not submitting the object.

Article 27-22The Central Labour Relations Commission may request a Prefectural Labour Relations Commission to report on administrative affairs conducted by the Prefectural Labour Relations Commission pursuant to the provisions of this Act, or make recommendations, give advice, provide training of members and staff members of the secretariat, or provide any other assistance necessary for the application of laws and regulations and for conducting those administrative affairs.

Article 27-23(1)In a lawsuit in which a prefecture is the defendant pursuant to the provisions of Article 11, paragraph (1) of the Administrative Case Litigation Act (including as applied mutatis mutandis pursuant to Article 38, paragraph (1) of the same Act; the same applies in the following paragraph) related to the disposition (meaning dispositions pursuant to the provisions of Article 3, paragraph (2) and including dispositions imposed by public interest members pursuant to the provisions of Article 24-2, paragraph (5) and dispositions imposed by local members for adjustment representing public interests pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (6) of the same Article of the same Act; the same applies in the following paragraph), the Prefectural Labour Relations Commission represents the prefecture.

(2)The Prefectural Labour Relations Commission may designate persons from among its public interest members, directors-general or staff members of its secretariat, and have them file an action regarding the disposition of Prefectural Labour Relations Commission pursuant to the provisions of Article 11, paragraph (1) of the Administrative Case Litigation Act in which a prefecture is the defendant, or file an action in which the Prefectural Labour Relations Commission is a party.

Article 27-24A person who has been required to appear pursuant to the provisions of Article 22, paragraph (1) or a witness pursuant to Article 27-7, paragraph (1), item (i) (including as applied mutatis mutandis pursuant to Article 27-17), may be compensated for the expenses as specified by Cabinet Order.

Article 27-25The provisions of Chapter 2 and Chapter 3 of the Administrative Procedure Act (Act No. 88 of 1993) do not apply to dispositions imposed by a Labour Relations Commission (including dispositions imposed by public interest members pursuant to the provisions of Article 24-2, paragraph (5) of this Act and dispositions imposed by local members for adjustment representing public interests pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (6) of the same Article).

Article 27-26No appeal may be filed pursuant to the Administrative Complaint Review Act (Act No. 160 of 1962) against the dispositions imposed by a Labour Relations Commission (including dispositions imposed by public interest members pursuant to the provisions of Article 24-2, paragraph (5) of this Act and dispositions imposed by local members for adjustment representing public interests pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (6) of the same Article).