 Metal industry workers hold rallies for higher wages About 4,000 metal industry workers on March 6 held rallies in Tokyo, Nagoya, and Osaka calling for a wage increase and job security. They were sponsored by the All-Japan Metal and Information Machinery Workers' Union (JMIU) under the slogan: "Stop corporate restructuring and defend jobs and decent living conditions." The rallies were also attended by workers of large shipbuilding and electric appliances makers and members of the Japanese Trade Union Confederation (Rengo)-affiliated unions as well as unions which have no national affiliation. In Tokyo, about 2,500 members gathered at the Hibiya Amphitheater. JMIU Chair Ikuma Shigemi called on the participants to "fight to win a pay raise for all workers, especially young workers, and thwart the government's attempt to adversely revise the Constitution." Kumagai Kanemichi, National Confederation of Trade Unions (Zenroren) president, spoke in solidarity with the metal workers. After the rally, the participants marched in demonstration through the Ginza district. (end) |