May Day rallies focus on struggle to block adverse revision of labor laws and wartime legislation

Workers and citizens attended May Day rallies held at 376 locations throughout the country and confirmed the importance of increasing the struggle against the bills to adversely revise labor laws as well as the wartime legislation that will force Japan to take part in U.S. preemptive attacks.

In Tokyo, about 60,000 people took part in the 74th May Day Central Rally.

Speaking on behalf of the organizing committee, Kumagai Kanemichi, National Confederation of Trade Unions (Zenroren) president, warned that the proposed adverse revision of the labor laws will allow corporations to hire low-paid part-time workers for up to three years instead of for one year under the current law without guaranteeing a renewal of contracts, and will give employers the freedom to dismiss employees.

Japanese Communist Party Chair Shii Kazuo gave a speech in solidarity. (See separate item.)

After the rally, participants marched in demonstration on three different routes. Members of a builders' union carried with them signs in the shape of lambs which said, "Meek lambs won't be silent forever." (end)