Zenroren carries out sit-in for jobs

Calling on the government to "Take immediate measures to secure jobs," the National Confederation of Trade Unions (Zenroren) carried out a sit-in in front of the Diet Building and a Diet petition drive from February 5 to 7.

On February 6, when intensive questions started in the House of Representatives, about 200 people from Zenroren and the People's Movement for Cuts in Military Expenditure and Improvement of Living Conditions, Welfare, and Education took part in these actions.

Participants shouted, "Stop the adverse revision of the medical care system," and "Enact a dismissal regulation law."

Zenroren President Kobayashi Yoji said, "Prime Minister Koizumi Jun'ichiro is rushing to increase medical charges from April 2003. But it will inevitably cause a further drop in the public support rate for his cabinet, because even the Japan Medical Association, a strong supporter for the government, is opposing his plan."

Sasaki Kenzo, National Federation of Farmers Movement chair, criticized the agriculture minister for his completely inaccurate dealing with the problem mad cow disease (bovine spongiform encephalopathy). Despite the fact that the no-confidence motion in the minister was killed in the Diet, public criticism will grow, Sasaki said. (end)