Pal Line Corporation, the logistics arm of the Palsystem Group, certified under the Employment Training Program for Needy Persons at three logistics centers
2025.06.30
Pal Line Corporation (hereinafter referred to as "Pal Line"), the logistics arm of the Palsystem Group, has been officially certified under the Employment Training Program for Needy Persons at three logistics centers in Tokyo and Saitama, where products for the home delivery service are sorted. This program, conducted in collaboration with local government agencies and other partners, is designed to support individuals who face difficulties in finding employment due to various circumstances by providing tailored job training and assistance that addresses their specific challenges.
Job Creation through Segmentation of Product Sorting Tasks
The certified centers are the Kumagaya Center (Kumagaya City, Saitama Prefecture), Hachioji Center, and Minami-Osawa Center (both located in Hachioji City, Tokyo). Based on the Act on Self-reliance Support for Needy Persons, the program offers employment opportunities to individuals who face difficulties transitioning directly into regular employment, with various accommodations made for job content, number of working days, and working hours. The system includes two types: the "employment-type," which involves a formal employment contract, and the "non-employment-type," which allows participants to gain work experience without a contract. Pal Line is beginning with the non-employment-type.
In the non-employment type, the number of working days and hours is determined in consultation with the individual. The program offers flexibility in responding to sudden absences, tardiness, or early departures on the day of work. This ensures a supportive environment where even those with unstable physical or mental conditions--who may find it difficult to work continuously--can engage in tasks at a manageable pace.
At the logistics centers, operations are divided into detailed tasks such as receiving goods, restocking products and equipment, sorting, and piling up boxes after sorting. This clear segmentation of work makes it easier to extract specific tasks, enabling trainees to be assigned duties that align with their individual strengths and characteristics.
Sealing of sorted product bags Repairing of large insulated delivery bags
Consideration for Health Management and Communication
Individuals seeking to participate in the non-employment type program are accepted in coordination with local government agencies, workers' co-ops, and support organizations at each location. Through interviews with support organizations and the individuals themselves, staff assess their circumstances, challenges, physical and mental health conditions, personality traits, and communication styles, as well as their preferences, to ensure appropriate support and placement.
If the individual wishes to continue working, it is possible to transition to the "employment-type" arrangement based on a formal contract, with the ultimate goal of moving toward regular employment in the future. To support this progression, co-op staff continuously reflect on daily observations and experiences to refine and improve their approach with thoughtful consideration tailored to each participant.
A Workplace Where Understanding Individual Traits Brings Peace of Mind
Since 2017, Pal Line has been hiring individuals who have been out of work for extended periods due to circumstances such as social withdrawal, and currently, 40 such employees are actively engaged. In 2020, the company also began initiatives to promote understanding of people with disabilities by distributing manuals to all employees and actively hiring individuals with disabilities. Training programs are conducted to ensure that employees do not feel uneasy due to a lack of understanding of their coworkers' situations, fostering a workplace environment built on mutual awareness and support.
Job Coaches and Support Systems to Ensure Employment Retention
Pal Line has assigned certified workplace adaptation support specialists, known as "Job Coaches," to all 12 of its business sites to help ensure stable employment for workers. In addition, over 220 employees have obtained Pal Line's internal certification as "Job Supporters." They wear armbands and badges as a visible sign of their commitment to understanding and supporting people with disabilities. Through such initiatives, Pal Line fosters a workplace where everyone can feel safe, supported, and empowered to work with confidence.
Under a comprehensive internal support system that encompasses more than 3,400 employees, a total of 79 individuals with disabilities are currently active in various roles, including at product and catalog packing centers.
(L)Armband indicating understanding and support for people with disabilities
(R)Badge indicating understanding and support for people with disabilities
Going forward, the Palsystem Group will continue to promote the creation of inclusive communities where people from diverse backgrounds understand one another and everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
*Pal Line Corporation is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Palsystem Consumers' Co-operative Union, which was established on February 9, 1990, and has 13 member co-ops. As of May 20, 2025, the Union has a total of 1.735 million members and operates businesses and activities across 12 prefectures in the Kanto-Koshinetsu, Tohoku, and Tokai regions of Japan.
