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

Women workers organize for better working conditions

The 50th Central Assembly of Working Women was held in November 19 and 20 in Tokyo calling for women's cooperation in defense of living conditions and peace.

About 500 participants attended discussions at seven workshops on various themes including the Equal Employment Opportunity Law.

At a workshop on deregulation and globalization, a tangerine and tea leaf grower reported that she has found out by conducting a poll that many women farmers are concerned about the decline in prices of agricultural products and the lack of younger people who will take over their businesses.

A flight attendant said that deregulation threatens transport safety and that attacks on workers rights, which was established based on women workers' struggles, have been strengthened.

The Assembly adopted an appeal calling for strengthening women's cooperation in the workplace and communities to achieve equality between men and women.

The number of women workers in Japan have increased from 5.12 million to 22 million. Gender equality at workplaces progressed through workers' struggles. However, women's working conditions have worsened since the government enacted the Equal Employment Opportunity Law by linking it with the removal of job protection provisions for women workers. -- Akahata, November 20, 21, 2005