JCP votes against bill to ‘reform’ government employees system

Japan Press Weekly

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

JCP votes against bill to ‘reform’ government employees system

A bill to “reform” the government employee system became law after approved in the House of Councilors Plenary Session on June 6 by the majority vote of the ruling Liberal Democratic and Komei parties, and the opposition Democratic, and Social Democratic parties.

The Japanese Communist and New People’s parties voted against the bill.

The new law will create a “Personnel Department” in the cabinet to manage ranking ministry officials.

The law is also designed to ease regulations on personnel exchanges between government agencies and the private sector, raising concerns about corrupt relations between politicians, bureaucrats, and businesses circles.

Despite strong public criticism regarding “amakudari” practices that allow retired officials to obtain executive positions in the public sector, no regulatory provisions were included in the law.

Failing to ensure the restoration of basic labor rights for public service employees, the law only provides that some measures will be taken to give them limited bargaining rights.

It is also pointed out that the law contains controversial provisions that may cause changes in working conditions detrimental to workers, including wage cuts.

- Akahata, June 7, 2008