March 4, 2023

Unionized postal workers on March 3 assembled in front of the Japan Post head office in Tokyo to push the company to accept their demands in this year’s “shunto” spring wage offensive which include substantial wage hikes that match the rising living cost, equal treatment of non-regular workers, and the conversion of non-regular workers into regular worker positions.

Delivering a speech, Postal Industry Workers' Union (PIWU) Chair Himaki Naoya said, “Postal workers play an essential part in the social infrastructure. We deserve to gain substantial pay rises.” Pointing out that through the efforts made by the union, non-regular workers have become eligible for paid sick leave, the PIWU chair called on union activists to work even harder to put an end to the unequal treatment between regular and non-regular postal workers.

A female union member, who is a non-regular worker and does an over-the-counter job, criticized the company for being reluctant to provide regular positions to non-regular workers who have the same level of job experience and skills as that of regular workers, adding that the company should offer regular positions to all non-regular workers.

National Confederation of Trade Unions (Zenroren) Vice President Akiyama Masaomi and National Trade Union Council (Zenrokyo) Secretary General Nonaka Yasuo delivered speeches in solidarity.