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Japan Press Service Co., Ltd. is the only news agency providing information of progressive, democratic movements in Japan

Zenroren calls for workplace association in defense of Article 9

The National Confederation of Trade Unions (Zenroren) held its 37th Council Meeting July 27-28 in Tokyo to further its movement to prevent an adverse constitutional revision and increase the membership, the two major tasks set out at its 21st Convention in 2004.

In the opening speech, Zenroren President Kumagai Kanemichi drew attention to the gains achieved during the past year in expanding the movement in defense of the war-renouncing Article 9 of the Constitution and in the effort to expand the Zenroren membership by reaching out to part-time workers and temps.

The Zenroren Council updated the Zenroren 21st Convention Action Plan to match the needs arising mainly from the political situation in which Prime Minister Koizumi Jun'ichiro's government is at an impasse both politically and diplomatically, offering a great possibility of a historic change for the trade union movement.

Zenroren Secretary General Ban'nai Mitsuo called for a "workplace association in defense of Article 9" to be established in all places of work where Zenroren is present.

The Zenroren Council decided to make efforts to build a "2.5-million strong Zenroren" by 2010. -- Akahata, July 28 & 29, 2005