Workers at a landmark department store in Japan stage a rare strike to protest against its sale.

Workers at Tokyo Department Store Go on Strike

By⁣ Ritsuko Shimizu and Rocky Swift

In ⁤a dramatic turn of events, workers at a major Tokyo department​ store have gone on strike ⁣after failed‌ negotiations with management. This marks the first major walk-out the country has seen in decades.

Approximately 900 workers at the flagship Seibu store in⁢ the bustling district of Ikebukuro ⁢are protesting the planned sale of their company,‍ Sogo & Seibu, to U.S. fund Fortress Investment ​Group. They ⁤are ​demanding guarantees for job security and business continuity, expressing dissatisfaction with the ⁤reported plans for discount electronics retailer Yodobashi Holdings to take over half of the store.

Critics, including local officials in Ikebukuro, argue that such a change would tarnish the store’s​ image. It is worth noting that Yodobashi is Fortress’s partner in the ⁣deal.

This strike, the first ‌at a major Japanese department store in 61 years, comes after months of negotiations between Sogo & Seibu management and the workers’ union.

Strikes are extremely rare in Japan, where negotiations over ‌wages and work conditions are typically resolved‍ amicably.

Seven & i, the parent company of Sogo & ​Seibu, has issued an apology for the ‍strike and has stated that they will continue to engage in talks with the union.

Other Seibu ‌and Sogo department stores remain⁤ open for business as usual.

(Reporting by Ritsuko‍ Shimizu and Rocky Swift; Writing by Chang-Ran Kim; Editing by Edwina Gibbs)

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