A 7-Eleven store in Japan. (File photo)
(ECNS) -- Japanese convenience store brand 7-Eleven has been "awarded" the title of "most conscienceless enterprise" in the country.
The annual "award" event was initiated by a board made up of lawyers, industry observers and journalists.
The final list is based on online voting by the Japanese public. Six companies, including 7-Eleven, Fujio Food System and ABC Mart were finally shortlisted for the title this year.
According to Kyodo News Agency, 7-Eleven's offense record includes interfering in the franchisee decision to sell near-expired food at reduced prices as well as exploitation of employees and part-time workers.
A lawyer in the board said 7-Eleven would sacrifice the interests of lower-level employees in compensation for their defective business model.
7-Eleven hasn't made any responses to the award yet.
The sarcastic event is in its fourth year. Previous winners for the title include Tokyo Electric Power Co. Although the organizer would invite companies to the award ceremony every year, no shortlisted company has ever appeared and accepted its prize.
