7,000 people call for job security

Japan Press Weekly

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

7,000 people call for job security

About 7,000 people took part in a rally in Tokyo on February 12 calling on the government to ensure job security and eradicate poverty.

At the rally held at the Hibiya Amphitheater, National Confederation of Trade Unions President Daikoku Sakuji stated, “Major companies must use their internal reserves to fulfill their social responsibilities. This is the citizens’ demand.”

“At the same workplace, I was a temporary worker first, then turned into a contract worker, and finally dismissed,” said a 53-year-old woman who had worked at Shiseido’s factory for eight and half years. About 250,000 signatures demanding a drastic revision of the Worker Dispatch Law was presented on the stage.

A 66-year-old carpenter said, “I only have five days of work per month. The total annual salary of my son and I combined is less than two million yen.” “Only large firms can prosper in this society. Politicians must open their eyes and see ordinary people’s living conditions,” he urged.

Rally participants also made their appeals in front of ministry buildings and marched in demonstration to the Diet building.

- Akahata, February 13, 2010