A Japanese city official lost half a day’s salary for repeatedly leaving his desk three minutes early for lunch break, The Japan Times reported on Thursday.
A city spokesperson said the official, who works at the waterworks bureau in Kobe, began his designated lunch break early 26 times over a period of seven months. “The lunch break is from noon to 1 pm,” the spokesperson said on Thursday. “He left his desk before the break.” The bureau docked half a day’s pay as punishment.
“It’s deeply regrettable that this misconduct took place,” a waterworks bureau official told reporters. “We’re sorry,” he said, bowing in apology. The worker violated a public service law that states officials have to concentrate on their jobs, said the official.
In February, an official was suspended for a month after he had left his office numerous times to buy a ready-made lunch box during work hours. The official was absent a total of 55 hours over six months.
Several people on Twitter criticised the punishment.
Buy an annual Scroll Membership to support independent journalism and get special benefits.
Our journalism is for everyone. But you can get special privileges by buying an annual Scroll Membership. Sign up today!