Japanese and U.S. business leaders ignore public opinion
Ignoring public opinion, Japanese and U.S. business leaders are urging both governments to start the negotiations toward the conclusion of the comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA).
The statement, issued by the Japan-U.S. Business Conference on November 3, acknowledges that on the issue of economic integration in the Asia-Pacific Region, Japan-U.S. economic integration and cooperation is essential.
Regarding labor policy, the statement takes a negative attitude about providing full-time positions to contingent workers by saying, “That is counterproductive.”
Stating, “We are concerned about the imposition of rigid and restrictive labor rules and social mandates on companies, large or small, in response to rising unemployment,” the statement calls for a labor market system which further allows employers to use workers as disposable labor and argues that the labor market should be “more dynamic and flexible.”
In order to cope with the financial crisis that broke out in the U.S., each nation is attempting to rebuild the financial regulation system. The statement, however, indicates opposition to this move by asserting, “Both the Japanese and U. S. governments should avoid over-regulation based on a careful assessment of the effectiveness of tightening national regulations.”
- Akahata, November 14, 2009