Dietmembers in a symposium call for review of family leave law

Calling for revision of the family leave law, a symposium was held on June 6 in Tokyo with Dietmembers from five political parties, including the Japanese Communist Party, attending as panelists. The participants called for a society in which workers will be given the right to take family leave without fear of reprisal.

The Diet in the current session will discuss the revision of the Law concerning the Welfare of Workers Who Take Care of Children or Other Family Members Including Child Care and Family Care Leave.

The law, if amended, will require companies concerned not to put those taking leaves at a disadvantage, and free all workers applying for leaves from overtime work.

"The government amendment bill shows some progress, but it still has many inadequacies," said Koike Akira, JCP House of Councilors member.

Koike proposed that the law shall be amended so as to guarantee at least 60% of the income for workers on leave; enable workers to take piecemeal leaves; and make family leaves available to workers for nursing care of family members, child rearing, and school events obligatory.

The symposium was held at the call of the National Network organized by scholars, lawyers, and the Japanese Trade Union Confederation (Rengo). About 150 citizens attende. (end)