Zenroren calls for wider cooperation for peace and job security

The National Confederation of Trade Unions (Zenroren) held its regular meeting of member union representatives on May 30 and 31 at its office building in Tokyo. Major items on the agenda were ways to step up efforts with broader sections of people to dump the bills on wartime legislation, the adverse changes in the medical insurance system, and wage and personnel cuts by large corporations.

Many participants spoke about their experiences that show the wartime legislation has become a major issue facing all labor organizations, including Zenroren and the Japanese Trade Union Confederation (Rengo).

A representative said that a joint appeal and demonstration against the wartime legislation brought together unions regardless of national affiliation, including those of aviation, newspapers, railways, and public service.

These joint actions were not only against the contingency legislation but against the government plan for adverse revision of the medical insurance system.

Lots of representatives reported on recent changes in their localities, stating that conservative mayors, assembly members, and board members from the medical community now show up at Zenroren-organized gatherings or campaigns against the plan to worsen medical system.

Referring to the recent joint efforts by Zenroren- and Rengo-affiliated unions, or conservative-democratic cooperation, a representative said he has the gut feeling that the Koizumi Cabinet is being driven to a last ditch effort.

A representative from Osaka reported that one out of 10 people are out of jobs in Osaka and put emphasis on union activities for job security and job creation.

Zenroren Secretary General Ban'nai Mitsuo concluded the meeting by calling for further movements with a diverse range of people to raise public opinion in order to defeat the undemocratic bills, the Koizumi Cabinet, and the unlawful corporate restructuring. (end)