Users of Timee’s short-term job app filed a collective lawsuit against the Japanese staffing service at the Tokyo District Court on Tuesday, arguing that last-minute cancellations of “spot work” contracts were illegal.

Nine users from five prefectures, including Tokyo and Aichi, demanded a total of ¥3.12 million ($19,600) in unpaid wages and damages. According to their lawyers, it is the first suit aimed at holding a job intermediary responsible for last-minute cancellations.

According to the complaint, the nine plaintiffs applied for work at employers such as an eatery and a hotel between October 2021 and March 2026 on the Timee app. Although their applications were accepted by employers, their contracts were canceled right before the day of work a total of 135 times, and they were not paid wages or reimbursed for transportation expenses.

The plaintiffs argue that their employment contracts were formed when they were matched with employers on the Timee app, making unilateral dismissals by employers invalid. They also accuse Timee of neglecting its duty of care to prevent illegal last-minute cancellations.

“I think it’s unreasonable,” a plaintiff in his 60s told a news conference in Tokyo after filing the lawsuit. “I hope (users’) feelings will be understood, even just a little.”

Timee declined to comment on the lawsuit, saying it has not received the complaint and cannot confirm the facts.