Japan Press Weekly

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2007 February 21 - 27 [LABOR]

Workers’ actions take place around Japan for reducing poverty and social disparities

On February 21, workers and local residents took part in rallies, demonstrations, and representations around the country for the success of the 2007 Spring Struggle. These actions were organized by the National Confederation of Trade Unions (Zenroren) and the People’s Spring Struggle Joint Committee.

In Saitama Prefecture, led by a banner that read, “Eradicate poverty and social disparities, Defend living standards and peace,” about 100 people marched in a demonstration during the lunch hour in downtown Saitama City.

The hourly wage for temporary workers hired by the prefectural government is 780 yen, over 100 yen less than the average hourly wage in the private sector. A Prefectural Workers’ Union representative said that they will strengthen the struggle calling for temporary workers’ wages to be increased to 1,000 yen per hour.

In the evening, 74 rallies and 53 demonstrations were held in various parts of the prefecture with about 12,000 people participating. In Soka City, about 300 residents holding lanterns marched in a demonstration in shopping areas, calling for an increase in job opportunities and the defense of local economies. In this demonstration, a chair of the residents’ association, in which 4,500 households are members, participated for the first time.

In Aichi Prefecture, members of the Aichi Federation of Trade Unions made representations to the local labor standards inspection office, urging it to give employers firm instructions to put an end to the illegal corporate practice of unpaid overtime work.