1 million people act to block revision of pension system
On April 15, more than one million people throughout Japan took part in various actions, including rallies, strikes, and demonstrations in protest against an adverse revision of the pension system.
The days of action called a "Pension Strike" was called by the National Spring Struggle Joint Committee. It involved larger number of people than any past Spring Struggle concerted action organized by the Committee in the past.
In Tokyo, about 1,200 people holding flags and banners carried out a sit-in in front of the Diet Building. Japanese Communist Party Diet members spoke in solidarity with the demonstrators.
Kumagai Kanemichi, president of the National Confederation of Trade Unions, called for a larger movement to foil a bill to adversely change the pension system which, if enacted, will enormously increase citizens' burdens.
About 4,000 people took part in a rally and marched in demonstration in Osaka City. A 63-year-old participant said, "My 70,000-yen pension is not enough to pay the rent and make a living. I depend on my daughter who is living with me, but it is still hard to manage our living expenses."
In Kyoto City, about 350 taxi drivers conducted a driving demonstration, putting a sticker reading, "Don't destroy the pension system," on their cars. (end)
