Japan Press Weekly

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2013 December 11 - 17 [LABOR]

Japan bar association holds rally to oppose relaxation of labor laws

The Japan Federation of Bar Associations (JFBA) on December 13 at Hibiya Amphitheater held a rally opposing the Abe government attempt to ease labor laws and calling for the elimination of poverty. This is the first JFBA-hosted rally focusing on these issues.

The rally attracted 2,000 citizens and union members affiliated with the National Confederation of Trade Unions (Zenroren), the Japanese Trade Union Confederation (Rengo), and the National Trade Union Council (Zenrokyo).

JFBA President Yamagishi Kenji in his opening speech cited a proposal for relaxation of the existing law on the use of agency workers which a panel led by Prime Minister Abe released on the previous day. Yamagishi criticized the proposal for allowing the limitless use of temporary workers. Describing Abe’s attempt as putting Japan’s labor laws into a serious state of jeopardy, he expressed his determination to work hard to realize people’s demand for stable and decent jobs.

Representatives of national trade union centers delivered solidarity speeches.

Zenroren President Daikoku Sakuji said that Abe’s labor law reforms could force the majority of the people into poverty, which will lead to a sharp deterioration of Japanese society, and that Zenroren will fight against Abe’s reform by fostering further collaboration with the general public.

A Rengo representative promised to make utmost efforts to stop the adverse revision of rules protecting workers.

After the rally, participants marched in demonstration through Ginza, Tokyo’s major shopping district.