Japan Press Weekly

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2013 October 30 - November 5 [LABOR]

Nationwide campaign starts for Constitution-based workplaces

The National Confederation of Trade Unions (Zenroren), a major national trade union center, on October 29 kicked off a nationwide campaign for making the best use of the Constitution at work.

The campaign consists of five routes and will spend 40 days traveling around Japan. Union members will make representations to municipalities, hold rallies, march in demonstrations, and conduct various events at various locations.

Zenroren has an action program which calls for the establishment of workplaces in line with constitutional principles, especially with Articles 25, 26, 27, and 28 (see below). To achieve this goal, the campaign will promote a joint struggle with a wide range of organizations at each place.

Participants of the Okinawa course left the Okinawa prefectural government office in Naha City for Nago City where the Japanese and U.S. governments are trying to force through the construction of a new U.S. base. Receiving their visit, a Nago City official expressed concern about the possibility that a new base would be turned into a gigantic military stronghold. In Ginowan City where the U.S. Futenma base is located, the deputy mayor pointed to the damage caused by excessive noise from U.S. fighter jets disturbing children studying in schools.

The north course began with a departing rally in front of the Hokkaido prefectural government office in Sapporo City. Zenroren President Daikoku Sakuji went up there from Tokyo to attend the rally. He said, “Let us defend the war-renouncing Article 9 of the Constitution! Let us work to achieve an economy in which the spirit of Article 25 gives shape in real life and workers earn higher wages!”

The point of departure for the west course was Prime Minister Abe Shinzo’s hometown of Yamaguchi. With the Zenroren vice president and the local Zenroren leader in the lead, campaigners called on passersby to work together to create a movement to utilize constitutional provisions for every field of life and work.

The south course started from Kagoshima City. Rallies took place at the prefectural and city government offices early in the morning of the departing date. Zenroren Secretary General Odagawa Yoshikazu stated, “We oppose any change either in the Constitution itself or in constitutional interpretations because both are for making Japan a war-capable nation. We, instead, make grassroots efforts to increase public opinion defending peace and people’s lives.”

The central course will start from Fukui on November 25 for Tokyo.

Article 25. All people shall have the right to maintain the minimum standards of wholesome and cultured living. In all spheres of life, the State shall use its endeavors for the promotion and extension of social welfare and security, and of public health.

Article 26. All people shall have the right to receive an equal education correspondent to their ability, as provided by law. All people shall be obligated to have all boys and girls under their protection receive ordinary education as provided for by law. Such compulsory education shall be free.

Article 27. All people shall have the right and the obligation to work. Standards for wages, hours, rest and other working conditions shall be fixed by law. Children shall not be exploited.

Article 28. The right of workers to organize and to bargain and act collectively is guaranteed.