Toyota to pay more benefits to workers raising children

NAGOYA. KAZINFORM - Toyota Motor Corp. will change the way it pays allowances to the dependents of its workers and provide more benefits to those raising children, sources close to the matter said Friday.

The overhaul is designed to exclude employees' spouses from the recipients of family allowances and give such benefits only to children, the sources said. The world's biggest carmaker by sales has made the proposal to its labor union, discussing details such as the amount of benefits each of children can receive. It is looking to introduce the new system as early as next year, according to the sources. The move comes as the government of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is promoting more labor participation by women as well as an environment where people can work while raising children. Toyota is currently paying 19,500 yen ($164) in benefits to a housewife staying at home per month and 2,000 to 3,500 yen for every child or other dependent. In order to attract young talent, Toyota has also proposed to introduce a merit-based pay system for its factory workers, shifting from the existing seniority-based system. Source: Kyodo