labor

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

Union workers make a start for 2006 Spring Struggle

The Joint Struggle Committee for Victory of the People's Spring Labor Offensive consisting of the National Confederation of Trade Unions (Zenroren) and various unions without national affiliation on January 6 took concerted action for victory in the 2006 Spring Struggle.

At Tokyo Station, together with 40 workers, Zenroren President Kumagai Kanemichi expressed his determination to make a success of this year's labor negotiations. He said, "Large corporations make enormous profits on the backs of workers and subcontracting firms. I'll try hard to achieve an increase in wages for all workers, including part-timers and temps."

Receiving a handbill listing workers' rights, a 51-year-old worker at an electronics manufacturer said, "Although the company achieved good performance, my yearly salary was reduced. I want a wage increase this year."

At more than 30 locations, Osaka workers conducted a New Year campaign to work together to make a difference in people's lives.

About 40 workers took to the streets near the Osaka City Hall, chanting, "Cutbacks in public services are the real reason for the government attacks on civil servants."

Hattori Shin'ichiro of the Osaka Zenroren said, "134 Osaka-based large corporations have amassed a record 25 trillion yen in internal reserves. Let's work hard for an increase in all workers' wages!"

At 25 places in Fukuoka Prefecture, similar actions took place.

In front of the Nippon Life Insurance (Nissei) building, employees of a Nissei affiliate firm handed out copies of a leaflet describing poor working conditions in their workplace.

They called on other employees to protest in solidarity, citing examples of non-regular workers in other areas of Japan who are struggling in cooperation with unions. Many employees entered the building, looking at the leaflet they received.
- Akahata, January 7, 2006