Press Briefing on 2018 Spring Offensive
On March 1, General Secretary Koichi Asanuma briefed the press on the wage hike demands of member federations and unions.
JCM has aggregated the data reported from the affiliates as of February 28, and found the results as below.
The 60th Central Committee
JCM held the 60th Central Committee on December 8. 2017 and the plan of demand for 2018 spring wage negotiations was unanimously adopted.
President
Takakura in his opening remarks addressed the Committee that the important
objectives of this year’s struggle were;
-to elevate the level of bottom wage in order to correct wage disparities.
-to establish fair distribution and circulation of values among global
value chains,
-to fight for non-regular workers.
He
concluded his remarks urging the Committee that we should firmly unite to win
positive results at 2018 spring offensive for better and securer lives of our
fellow members.
21st
Domestic Labor-Management Seminar for "Building Constructive Labor-Management
Relations Overseas"
The JCM held its 21st Domestic Labor-Management Seminar for "Building Constructive Labor-Management Relations Overseas" on November 21 in Tokyo with attendance of 119 participants representing affiliated union federations and their management counterpart. Main objective of the seminar is to foster International Labor Standards at overseas operations of Japanese companies in order that healthy labor-management relations can be constructed.
In the opening address, President Takakura said "Face-to-face communication and networking between labor and management on daily basis are essential to prevent unnecessary labor disputes" and "in emerging countries in Asia, perception gap between labor and management has often been observed."
Following the opening address, Mr. Seigo Kojima, Advisor of JCM, delivered a presentation on "Labor Situations in Indonesia, Thailand and Malaysia", in which he stressed the importance of labor-management dialogue derived from mutual respect and trust.
The next speaker was Mr. Shigemitsu Yoshihara, Executive Director of Administration Division, FUJITSU GENERAL (THAILAND) CO., LTD. Based on his experiences in Thailand, he referred to the difficulties of implementing Japanese-style labor-management relations and suggested that localized model should be more proper and acceptable. He also mentioned that companies should show that their business operations could make for stable and better living conditions of their respective employees.
International Dept. Chief Assistant Director Shinya Iwai presented the case report of labor disputes recently broke out in an industrial complex in Thailand. In his report, he elucidated the mind and behavior of Japanese managers which might underlie those disputes. The activities of TUSSOs and labor-related NGOs intervening disputes were also introduced in his report.
Lastly, General Secretary Koichi Asanuma concluded the seminar reiterating the importance of building constructive labor-management relations and that JCM will continue to work hard to help workers overseas.49th Labor Leadership Course
The JCM held its 49th Labor Leadership Course at Kansai Seminar House in Kyoto from October 12 to October 28, 2017 with 35 participants including 3 women. This Leadership Course is a longstanding training program for young union officers and has produced many prominent union leaders such as Mr. S. Koga, former President of RENGO.
The program consists of practical lectures on labor laws, labor-management relations theory, history of Japanese and international labor movement, and so forth. The main part of the course is seminar group discussions.There are 5 different seminars instructed by 5 professors of Doshisha University. The participants choose to belong to one of the seminars. Each seminar has its own theme such as "Role of Trade Unions in Global Society" and "Fair and Satisfactory Wage Determination". Through seminar discussions with guidance of professors, participants explore solutions on each theme. The results are shared by all the participants at presentation session at the end of the course.
In addition, there are some special programs. A lecture given by a top corporate manager titled "Management and People" is one of them. The other is a special discussion session with JCM President and Vice Presidents. Students also took part in programs to experience Japanese cultural traditions, such as Zen meditation and tea ceremony.
The completion of this 49th course has brought 1,692 graduates in total.56th JCM National Convention
The JCM held a Gender Equality Promotion Conference on June 24 in Tokyo. A total of 52 male and female delegates from affiliated federations and individual unions took part. Following opening remarks from President Aihara, a video message of encouragement to JCM women leaders from IndustriALL Global Union Women Committee Co-chair Michele O’Neil was played.
The 2017 Policy Seminar was held on April 14 in Tokyo on the theme of "The Fourth Industrial Revolution Today and In the Future." Following opening remarks from JCM General Policy Committee Chairman Ushio Iwamoto, the head office report was delivered by JCM General Policy Bureau Deputy Director Shigetoshi Asai on "Major Action Items in JCM Policy and Program Issues."
6th Strategic Committee Meeting Points for Confirmation
The JCM held its 2017 Minimum Wage Center Meeting on January 25, 2017 in Tokyo. Nearly 280 central and regional representatives on minimum wage issues from affiliated federations took part. The 2017 Policy on Specific (Industry-based) Minimum Wage Initiatives and other matters were discussed.
The JCM held its 2017 Spring Offensive Meeting on January 24 in Tokyo. A total of 170 representatives from affiliated federations and individual unions took part. The meeting began with remarks by President Yasunobu Aihara, followed by a lecture by Taro Saito, Director of Economic Research at the NLI Research Institute Economic Research Department, on the topic of "Realizing Higher Wages, the Key to Increasing Consumption."
Following the head office report by JCM General Policy Bureau Director Shigetoshi Asai on "JCM Positions Facing the 2017 Spring Offensive," a panel discussion was held with panelists comprised of the presidents of the JCM’s five affiliated industrial federations on the topic of "Efforts in Each Sector for the 2017 Spring Offensive," which furthered understanding of the general situation for this year’s Spring Offensive and the unique efforts of each individual federation. To close the meeting, President Aihara led all members in a rousing three cheers for victory in the Spring Offensive and stronger solidarity among the JCM’s five affiliated federations.
The JCM held its 59th Central Committee Meeting on December 2, 2016 in Tokyo. JCM President Yasunobu Aihara began the meeting with an address on behalf of the JCM, touching on his awareness of challenges for the 2017 Spring Offensive. He then stated his resolve for the 2017 Spring Offensive, saying, "For the 2017 Spring Offensive, I hope everyone will work toward building Robust Workplaces, a Robust Metal Industry, and a Robust Japanese Economy, with strong solidarity among the five affiliated industrial federations to improve wages and working conditions including pay raises of at least 3,000 yen, improve employment, wages and working conditions for non-regular workers, achieve a fairer cycle of added value in the value chain, and take initiatives toward policy and program demands."
Next, RENGO General Secretary Naoto Ohmi offered words of encouragement.
19th Domestic Labor-Management
Seminar
48th Leadership Course
The JCM held its 48th Labor Leadership Course at the Kansai Seminar House in Kyoto from October 13 to October 29, 2016. A longstanding gateway for union leaders, this year’s course was held with a theme of "Roles of Labor Unions in These Times." Learning was conducted in a systematic manner, aiming for total personality development based on four pillars, with learning ranging from practical lectures on topics such as labor law and labor-management relations theory to historical backgrounds such as domestic and overseas labor movements, as well as mental health related lectures with discussions on human relations in the workplace. In addition, the seminars, a vital component of the Course in which participants explore solutions through discussions among students and with instructors on labor union and workplace issues, was divided into five seminars over four sessions, with PowerPoint presentations held at the end of each to share results. Other special programs included "Management and People," a special lecture in which managers were welcomed as lecturers, and a new special discussion launched with this Course entitled "Talk to the Three Top JCM Officials." Students also took part in programs to experience Japan’s unique cultural traditions, such as Zen meditation and tea ceremony.
The completion of this 48th course brings the total number graduates to 1,657, and together with the former East Japan Course the total number of Labor Leadership Course graduates has now reached 2,596.
55th JCM National Convention is Held
2017-18 Action Program is Determined
New Officers Elected; President Aihara, General
Secretary Asanuma Reappointed
The JCM held its 55th National Convention on Tuesday, September 6, 2016 at Plaza Heisei in the Tokyo International Exchange Center. The conference was attended by 281 delegates, 25 officers, and 53 visitors. As guests, a total of 30 individuals from 19organizations and 18 countries and regions attended, including from Japan RENGO President Rikio Kozu, IndustriALL-JAF President Hisanobu Shimada, and IndustriALL-JAF General Secretary Yoshio Sato; and from overseas, IndustriALL President Berthold Huber and General Secretary Jyrki Raina.
As for reported matters, Komatsu Union General Secretary Tsuyoshi Tanaka, the 47th Labor Leadership Course Class President, reported on the activities of the course as a representative of the course graduates. A special report was also given on the JCM Third Wage and Labor Policy, which participants confirmed. Outside of the conference hall, an area was set up for display of works made by children at the manufacturing workshops held in 34 prefectures throughout Japan. As for the items for deliberation, the 2017-2018 Action Program was proposed, and after discussions was adopted according to the draft. President Aihara and General Secretary Asanuma were reappointed as officials.
9th Asia Metalworkers' Liaison Conference
The 9th Asia Metalworkers' Liaison Conference sponsored by the JCM was held on September 2 and 3, 2016 at Kyoto International Conference Center. A total of 80 delegates took part in the conference, including 39 from the JCM and its affiliated federations, one observer from Japan, and 40 delegates from the IndustriALL head office as well as 20 IndustriALL member metalworkers’ unions from 13 Asia-Pacific countries and regions.
To begin the conference, JCM President Aihara delivered greetings on behalf of the organizers. After a welcome speech, he asked the participants, "We would like to hear reports from each organization on the challenges faced by metalworkers’ unions in the Asia-Pacific region, and then based on these I would like to further our understanding through a panel discussion as we delve deeper into our common problems and think about measures to overcome those issues. I hope we can all share the experiences, best practices and success stories of each organization." Then, on behalf of the IndustriALL head office, President Berthold Huber gave a speech in which he expressed his expectations for IndustriALL movements in the Asia-Pacific region.
The first topic for discussion was titled "Challenges Faced by Asian Metalworkers' Associations." Delegates from each country reported on issues involving their organizations. Based on each country’s reports, a panel discussion was held from the first day’s afternoon to the second day’s morning, with JCM General Secretary Asanuma serving as coordinator. Delegates from Thailand, Korea, India, Australia took part as the four panelists, with a theme of "Overcoming Challenges." On the second afternoon, JCM Advisor Seigo Kojima gave a lecture entitled "The History and Spirit of the Asian Metalworkers' Liaison Conference." Mr. Kojima reported primarily on the history of IMF activities in the Asia-Pacific region, dating back to the establishment of the IMF Tokyo office.
Afterward, JCM General Secretary Asanuma spoke about the future direction of the Asian Metalworkers’ Liaison Conference. "Since the first conference was held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia in June 2008, Asian metalworkers’ unions have actively participated and generated great results. We have continued the Asian Metalworkers’ Liaison Conference apart from the regional conferences held every four years since IndustriALL was formed. Through proactive exchange of information, we have played a certain role in efforts such as complementing regional activities and strengthening the power of labor unions in each country and region. However, at the 8th conference held in Petaling Jaya, Malaysia in June 2015, we reviewed the results of this long-held conference and decided to break with the current format of conferences from this 9th session, and confirmed among all members that we would dissolve these sessions. Today we confirm that we from here onward will seek our expectations toward the Asia-Pacific region, the growth center of the world, and seek a new framework for holding these conferences that is appropriate for the IndustriALL era." Such was his proposal for conclusion, after which three delegates from Singapore, Australia, and South Korea expressed gratitude to the JCM for its contributions to solidarity in Asia as the host of these conferences, and views were expressed in support of the conclusion. The entire hall then approved the conclusion with applause. President Aihara expressed his gratitude toward metalworkers’ unions in each country for their cooperation thus far. As for the future, he commented, "We have confirmed the agreement to continue in a manner appropriate for the IndustriALL era, and the JCM will coordinate with IndustriALL." Finally, General Secretary Raina reported on the state of preparations for the 2nd IndustriALL World Congress to be held in Brazil in October, and President Aihara reported on the state of coordination with executive committee members in the Asia-Pacific region, after which they delivered remarks to conclude the meeting.
JCM Holds 2016 Women's Conference
Furthering understanding of domestic and international efforts
toward women’s representation
The JCM held its 2016 Women’s Conference on the afternoon of Saturday, July 23, 2016 at Japanese Electric Electronic and Information Union (JEIU) Hall in Tokyo. A total of 70 individuals took part, including women’s representation leaders from the JCM Executive Committee as well as affiliated union federations and corporate union associations.
To begin, President Aihara delivered greetings on behalf of the JCM, noting the progress of the larger trend in women’s representation at all levels both in Japan and worldwide, and praising the JCM’s excellent record of promoting women’s participation, centered around its Women’s Liaison Conference, to fulfill its role as an IndustriALL contact center. He expressed his hopes that the day’s workshop would serve to promote women’s participation at affiliates and individual unions.
The first speaker was Akiko Gono, Director of the International Affairs Bureau at UA Zensen and IndustriALL Asia-Pacific Region Women’s Committee Chair, who gave a presentation on "Trends in Women’s Participation at IndustriALL and in the International Labor Movement." She reported on a case regarding women’s participation in Australia, where she had just visited. She also spoke on the 40% representation and participation rate of women for which revision of rules was discussed at the IndustriALL World Congress in October, stating, "Trends in women’s representation worldwide are at 40% and 50%, so it is proper for an international organization to put forth a 40% target, but our challenge is how to realize this ideal."
The second speaker was Yoko Kobayashi of the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare’s Equal Employment, Children and Families Bureau’s Equal Employment Policy Division, who spoke on "Trends in Women’s Participation in Japan: Accelerating Female Employee Participation." Her presentation covered the following topics: (1) In Japan, where the birthrate is falling and society is aging rapidly, promoting women’s participation is the government’s most pressing issue; (2) In Japan, there are 3.1 million women who want to but are unable to work. Moreover, many women are employed in non-regular jobs such as part-time or short-term casual work. (3) Some of the obstacles to women’s participation are recruitment, training, continued employment, and promotions. Looking at the state of balancing work and family, women are quitting because of long working hours, maternity harassment and other reasons; (4) The bill to promote the role of women in the workplace has certain positive attributes.
Next a panel discussion was held, with Nobuko Kesamaru, Women's Liaison Conference member (Japan Federation of Basic Industry Workers' Unions, or JBU) as the moderator, and presidents and general secretaries of JCM affiliated federations as panelists, on the topic of "Roles of Union Federations and Corporate Union Associations in Promoting Women’s Participation at Manufacturing Workplaces." In the panel discussion, panelists explained the state of women’s representation and action plans and promotion programs at each individual union. Finally participants heard from each federation’s presidents and general secretaries about the determination and will toward promoting women’s participation in the future to close out the panel discussion.
To wrap up the seminar, JCM General Secretary Asanuma offered these comments: "Efforts to enable women to continue working vibrantly will lead to a society that can function more vibrantly. Developing programs and individuals, improving working hours and work-life balance, are some of the issues we must address together. We are making steady progress, but our goal is still ahead of us."
18th Domestic Labor-Management Seminar
for "Building Constructive Labor-Management Relations Overseas"
The JCM held its 18th Domestic Labor-Management Seminar for "Building Constructive Labor-Management Relations Overseas" in the afternoon of July 20, 2016, at Japanese Electric Electronic and Information Union (JEIU) Hall in Tokyo. A total of 135 labor-management representatives from affiliated federations and companies took part, including 26 from the company side.
Since October 2007, the JCM has held these seminars twice a year with the aim of "promoting efforts to comply with core labor standards and contributing to constructive labor-management relations overseas." The seminars spotlight labor-management relations in various countries and are held for labor and management representatives of affiliated federations and companies. This time discussions focused on case studies of individual automakers’ labor-management efforts to cope with globalization, the management environment in Indonesia, and recent labor-management dispute cases and JCM efforts.
To start, JCM President Aihara delivered greetings on behalf of the JCM, speaking on its roles from a global perspective as expected by labor and management, among other topics.
The first presentation was given by Wakana Shuto, Associate Professor
at the College of Economics, Rikkyo University, on the theme "Labor-Management
Relations in Response to Globalization: Clues from a German Automakers'
Approach." In this speech, she indicated that "labor unions’ activities tend to be limited to the domestic due to the nature of their organizations,
and their responses to globalization tend to lag behind." She reported
primarily on the state of labor-management response to globalization in
the German auto industry and the efforts toward network building. Regarding
the signing of GFAs, she emphasized
their effectiveness in prevention and early
resolution of labor disputes.
Next Yoshihiro Kobi, Managing Director and Independent Director of BFIE (Bekasi Fajar Industrial Estate, Indonesia), gave a presentation called "The Management Environment in Indonesia," touching on his many years of experience working in Indonesia. He spoke about the importance of day-to-day communication with employees, saying, "It’s important to be patient, don’t get too emotional, and listen to what your workers have to say."
Then Shinya Iwai, JCM International Affairs Bureau Director, gave a case study report entitled "Recent Labor-Management Dispute Cases and JCM Efforts." He offered his report via case studies of past labor-management disputes in Indonesia. His report focused on cases in which prior labor-management consultations were premature and disputes that occurred due to insufficient understanding of core labor standards.
To summarize the seminar, JCM General Secretary Asanuma remarked, "There is no shortage of cases of labor-management disputes. In other words, this means the JCM has a considerable stockpile of knowhow for handling such disputes. The JCM will look at past examples and give all of the advice it can to solve disputes quickly should they arise, especially at Japanese companies in Asia."
JCM 2016 Policy and Program Central Discussion Meeting
Subcommittees discuss 2016-17 Policy and Program Issues draft
The JCM is working on the formulation of its 2016-17 Policy and Program Issues, and asked for a wide range of questions, opinions, and information on the draft approved on March 30.
At the discussion meeting, Yutaka Ebigase, Vice President/Chairman of General Policy Committee (President of Japan Federation of Electric Wire Workers' Unions, or JEWU), offered greetings on behalf of the organizers, including the results of past JCM policy and program demands. After an explanation of the draft from General Policy Bureau Director Shigetoshi Asai, participants broke into nine groups and subcommittees for individual discussions on four themes.
On the second day, University of Tokyo Professor Takahiro Fujimoto gave a lecture entitled "The Future Image of the Japanese Manufacturing Industry: Creating Added Value through the Use of ‘Monozukuri Kaizen’ Instructors." Then Secretary General Asanuma indicated ideas for amending the draft using the 172 points raised by the groups and subcommittees.
The JCM 2016-17 Policy and Program Demands are comprised of a framework of four pillars: I. Macroeconomic policy to support the manufacturing industry; II.Aggressive industrial policy to bolster the manufacturing industry’s strengths; III. Establishment of decent work in the manufacturing industry; IV. Energy and environmental policy that promotes development of innovative technologies. These underwent further discussion and were officially decided at the 22nd Executive Committee Meeting on April 28, 2016.
2016 Spring Labor OffensiveJCM Unified Response Day
On March 16, the date of the 2016 Spring Labor Offensive Unified Response Day, media representatives and TV cameras packed the JCM head office in the Nihonbashi district of Tokyo from morning, and media filled the entrance from 9:00 a.m. From 10 a.m. responses began coming in from JAM-affiliated unions, then from 10:15 JEIU-affiliated union responses came in, and then from JBU, JAW, and JEWU. By 12:30 p.m. responses had been received from most of the major unions.
From 11:30
a.m. the three top JCM officials began the 6th Strategic Committee Meeting, at
which they confirmed matters including their reactions to the responses from
the designated union for aggregating responses and the way forward for the
JC Joint Struggle. In terms of reactions, they said, "Although the responses
received today cannot be considered fulfillment of all of our demands, each
union’s persistent negotiations have resulted in pay raises for most unions,
realizing continuous pay raises over three consecutive years." In terms of the
way forward for the JC Joint Struggle, they remarked, "The most important
issues for the 2016 Spring Offensive are continuous pay raises, raising
standards and correcting inequality. The JCM will collect and announce the upcoming responses for small and medium-sized
unions and continue to support all union efforts through the JC Joint Struggle
in order to secure pay raises for all unions."
Following the 6th Strategic
Committee Meeting, a press conference based on the received responses was held with
the three top JCM officials starting at 12:45 and lasting approximately one
hour. From 4:00 p.m., a Central Spring Offensive Committee Meeting made up of members of the Executive
Committee, the JCM’s executive body, was held, at which information was
exchanged about the state of each federation’s responses, matters of the
Strategic Committee were confirmed, and future support measures were discussed
and confirmed.
2016 Spring Offensive Meeting is Held
Putting all our might into raising wages and fixing inequality!
Pledging to fulfill the social responsibilities of labor and
management in solidarity with the JC Joint Struggle
The presidents and general secretaries of the five industrial federations
speak in a panel discussion on the efforts in each sector
The JCM held its 2016 Spring Offensive
Meeting on the afternoon of January 26, 2016, at JEIU Hall in Tokyo. Nearly 180
representatives from member industrial federations and affiliates took part. At
the rally, 200 representatives from JCM-member industrial federations and affiliates
attended. Moderated by Assistant General Secretary Masahiro Inoue, the meeting
began with remarks by President Yasunobu Aihara, followed by General Policy
Bureau Director Shigetoshi Asai reporting on the head office’s "JCM Positions
Facing the 2016 Spring Offensive." Assistant Professor Naoki Tojima from the Business
School at the Otaru University of Commerce gave a lecture on the theme
"Competitiveness Hindered by ROE". Then a panel discussion was held on the
topic of "Efforts in Each Sector for the 2016 Spring Offensive." Coordinated by
General Secretary Koichi Asanuma, the panelists were comprised of the
presidents and general secretaries of the JCM’s five industrial federations. This
offered the group a better understanding of the general situation for this
year’s Spring Offensive and the efforts of each individual federation. To close
the meeting, President Aihara led the JCM and the presidents and general
secretaries of the federations in a rousing three cheers for victory in the
Spring Offensive in solidarity with the JCM.
Participants give three cheers for victory in the Spring Offensive
58th JCM Central Committee Meeting
"The Way Forward for the 2016
Spring Offensive" (Spring Offensive Policy) is Officially Adopted
Held on December 4, 2015 in Tokyo
the 2016 Spring Offensive Policy is adopted at the 58th Central Committee Meeting
(December 4, 2015, in Tokyo)
The JCM held its 58th Central Committee Meeting on December 4, 2015 from 2:00 p.m. in Tokyo. Participants discussed the 2016 Spring Offensive Policy, "The Way Forward for the 2016 Spring Offensive," and officially adopted it according to the draft. JCM President Yasunobu Aihara began the meeting with an address on behalf of the JCM, touching on the following efforts for the 2016 Spring Offensive:
1. Designating the goals of this 2016 Spring Offensive as "breaking free from deflation," "achieving a virtuous economic cycle," and "realizing a robust domestic economy." "Continuing from the 2014 and 2015 Spring Offensives, I hope the JCM in this 2016 Offensive will present specific wage demands so that we may again secure wage increases, make a clean break from deflation, and promote the utmost efforts to realize a virtuous economic cycle."
2. The two major issues for the 2016 Spring Offensive efforts are wage increases and correcting income inequality. First and foremost in 2016, we must keep small and medium-sized unions in mind and work to increase the number of unions demanding wage increases, as well as the number receiving wage increases.
3. The basic philosophy toward wage demands.
4. Support for non-regular workers.
5. Efforts toward fairness in transactions and a "fairer cycle of added value" in the value chain.
6. Strong negotiations as the negotiating party under the practice of labor-management self-governance.
After stating his views on these issues, he concluded his remarks with this resolve: "The core of this Spring Offensive lies in all industry federations and affiliates working in solidarity with the JCM under the basic principle of labor-management self-governance, working for wage increases, better base standards, and correction of income inequality, and making firm demands and strong negotiations. I hope we will all reconfirm the importance of these principles." Also in attendance was RENGO President Rikio Kozu, who expressed his resolve that this year’s Spring Offensive marks "the starting Spring Offensive for raising standards," and added, "I would like to take the power of the JCM’s fight and use it as a wave to propel all of RENGO. Let’s work together."
Next came reports. After a progress report, a special report on the IndustriALL Women World Conference held in Vienna in September 2015 was delivered by JCM Executive Committee Member Miyuki Akimoto (JAM Executive Committee Member).
As
for the meeting’s agenda, General Secretary Asanuma proposed the draft for the
2016 Spring Offensive Policy, "The Way Forward for the 2016 Spring Offensive."
Views and requests were received from the five affiliated federations, the head
office delivered responses, and the policy was adopted according to the draft.
Japan-Korea Regular Metalworkers’ Discussion Meeting
Reports and discussions held on the themes
"Both countries’ political, economic and social issues"
and "Trends in and responses to revisions of labor laws"
Held on October 27, 2015 in Osaka
Japan-Korea Regular Metalworkers’ Discussion Meeting (October 27, 2015, Osaka)
The JCM held its regular meeting with the Federation of Korean Metalworkers' Unions (FKMTU) on October 27, 2015, at the L-Osaka venue in Osaka. On the Korean side, a total of 32 representatives, including FKMTU President Kim Man-jae, Vice President Jong Il Jin, and General Secretary Kim Sung-su, attended the meeting. From Japan, a total of 44 delegates from affiliated industrial federations and individual unions, including President Aihara and the other top-ranking officers of the JCM, took part. The talks covered political, economic, and social issues, as well as reports and question-and-answer sessions on issues faced by metalworkers’ unions in Japan and Korea today, including trends in and responses to revisions of both countries’ labor laws.
47th Leadership Course
Graduation ceremony held on October 17,
2015, bringing total graduates to 1,623
After completing the course, all 39 students pose with their diplomas for this commemorative photograph in the garden of the Kyoto Seminar House.
The 47th JCM Labor Leadership Course was held at the Kansai Seminar House in Kyoto beginning on October 5, 2015. A total of 39 highly capable students came together from all over Japan for the two weeks of diverse programs in a boarding-style setting. The graduation ceremony was held on Saturday, October 17, with all 39 participants receiving their diplomas from Principal Kozo Kagawa.
JCM makes appeals in both Eastern and Western Japan
on the day of action for IndustriALL’s Global Campaign to STOP Precarious
Work (October6- 7, 2015)
The three-top ranking officials and executive committee members of the JCM make their appeals as part of the day of action for IndustriALL’s STOP Precarious Work campaign (October 6, 2015, in Tokyo)
October 7 was the day of action for IndustriALL’s STOP Precarious Work Global Campaign. On the previous day, the JCM’s three top-ranking officials along with executive committee, international committee, and secretariat members made an appeal in front of the venue for the JTUC-RENGO National Convention. (See photo above)
On October 7, the 39 students in the 47th JCM Labor Leadership Course also took part in the World Day for Decent Work. At the morning meeting on the 7th, after remarks from Assistant General Secretaries Masahiro Inoue and Kenichi Fujitomi, who traveled to the venue to offer their encouragement, the 39 students, who took part in training at the Kansai Seminar House in Tokyo from October 5 to 17, were told by Mr. Fujitomi, who is also the Director of the International Affairs Bureau, that October 7 is the day of action in IndustriALL’s STOP Precarious Work Global Campaign, and that the JCM would continue to its efforts to ensure decent work. After "radio taiso" exercises and a brief walk, the 39 students all made their appeals to STOP Precarious Work.
54th JCM National Convention
2016 Action Program is Deliberated and Decided
Some officers reelected
The JCM held its 54th National Convention on Tuesday, September 1, 2015 from 1:00 p.m. at the Hotel Lungwood in Nishi-nippori, Tokyo. To begin the Convention, President Aihara delivered remarks on behalf of the JCM on the following topics:
1. The current circumstances
2. Improvements in working conditions and the Spring Offensive
3. The Third Wage and Labor Policy
4. Realizing fair business relations
5. Strengthening of workplace capabilities
6. Efforts to build constructive labor-management relations
7. IndustriALL activities and issues
8. The JCM’s financial status
9. The House of Councilors election.
Guests of the Convention delivered congratulatory addresses: Nobuaki Koga, President of RENGO; Hisanobu Shimada, President of IndustriALL-JAF; and Kan Matsuzaki, IndustriALL’s Director of ICT, Electrical and Electronics, Shipbuilding and Shipbreaking. Mr. Koga stressed the importance of three keywords for coping with the fast speed of global environmental changes: building society with everyone involved, inclusive growth, and sharing burden. He also reported that he would be stepping down as RENGO president in October 2015 and thanked the JCM for its support.
Matters reported at the Convention were a general progress report, Spring Offensive progress report, 2015 accounting report, and audit report. As for the agenda, the "2016 Action Program," which reinforces the 2015-2016 Action Program, was covered, along with "Handling of general account surplus for 2015," "2016 accounting budget," and "Reelection of some officers." These four proposals were adopted according to their drafts.
2015 JCM Women’s Conference is held
"Allowing Women to Continue Working Vibrantly in the Metal Industry"Participants divided into seven groups engage in lively discussions
Visits and Policy Meetings with Government Ministries
Requests submitted in June and July 2015 to nine ministries, the Fair Trade Commission,
and the Bank of Japan, Policy
discussions held on Major Action Items in 2015 JCM Policy and Program Issues
The JCM visited and held talks with the Ministry of Finance on June 2, the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism on June 8, the Japan Fair Trade Commission on June 15, the Ministry of the Environment on June 16, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology on June 18, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry on June 24, the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare on June 25, the Bank of Japan on June 26, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on June 30, and the Cabinet Office on July 10. The JCM held discussions with the goal of realizing policies for four concrete issues raised in our "Major Action Items in 2015 JCM Policy and Program Issues":
1. Macro-environmental improvements to support the manufacturing industry
2. "Aggressive" industrial policy to strengthen the manufacturing industry
3. Providing "quality employment"(or decent work) in the manufacturing industry
4. Energy and environmental policy to strengthen the manufacturing industry.
2015 Spring Labor OffensiveJCM Unified Response Day
On March 18, the date of the 2015 Spring Labor Offensive Unified Response Day, over 100 media representatives and twice as many TV cameras as usual gathered in the JCM head office in the Nihonbashi district of Tokyo from morning, for an event that would attract even more attention than in previous years. From 10 a.m. the designated union for aggregating responses began to receive responses from management. Member union offices contacted the JCM headquarters with their responses, and camera flashes lit the room each time the officers wrote on the white board. From 12:15 the Strategic Committee held a press conference. JCM General Secretary Asanuma presented the points for confirmation of the 6th Strategic Committee, after which President Aihara gave a talk on how the responses should be interpreted. Then the presidents and directors of the five member unions shared their views on their responses, and a question-and-answer session was held.
The 6th Strategic Committee Points for Confirmation were as follows.
The JCM held its 6th Strategic Committee Meeting from 11:00 on this, the Unified Response Day, and confirmed as follows our interpretation of the responses for the designated unions for aggregating responses and other unions, as well as the way forward for the unions in the JC Joint Struggle that will soon be receiving responses.
1. In the 2015 Spring Offensive, a halt in the economy was seen due to a slump consumption triggered by the increase in the consumption tax, and our struggle stood at a crossroads as to whether or not we could truly break free from deflation and experience economic growth. The JCM has worked in this struggle to realize a virtuous economic cycle, to protect workers’ livelihoods among rising prices, and to achieve sustainable corporate development through appropriate distribution of the fruits of labor and investment in people. In terms of pay raises, which will serve as the key to protecting livelihoods and expanding consumption, we made concrete wage demands for the first time in 13 years since our 2002 Spring Offensive. The JC Struggle put up a united front and held repeated negotiations toward a raise of "at least 6,000 yen."
2.
In response, although the management side understood the need for investment in
people and their own roles in management that would help break free from
deflation and achieve a virtuous economic cycle, they insisted that they must
not hurt competitiveness and threaten jobs with large pay increases, and thus
they held their positions firmly through to the end of negotiations.
3. As of 12:00 today, among the designated
unions for aggregating responses, which are mostly comprised of larger unions,
25 unions have received responses. Although the responses received today cannot
be considered fulfillment of all of our demands, each union’s persistent
negotiations have resulted in ongoing pay raises that show clear improvements
over last year. Looking at the significance of this Spring Offensive in
protecting workers’ livelihoods and achieving a virtuous economic cycle, we
believe we have been able to fulfill a certain role.
(1)Regarding wages, all aggregating unions that have received responses were able to secure wage increases, including basic salary and hourly wage increases. At this stage, the average wage increase amount is 3,013 yen, a significant increase over the amount for last year’s aggregating unions (1,737 yen). We interpret these two consecutive years of increases as putting us on the course toward clearing away the deflationary mindset and realizing a virtuous economic cycle. And looking at the significance of this Spring Offensive in protecting workers’ livelihoods and achieving a virtuous economic cycle, we believe we have been able to fulfill a certain role.
(2) Regarding bonuses, thanks to improved earnings performance across the metal industry, 19 unions received responses that improved on last year’s, one union maintained last year’s level, and no unions fell below last year’s amounts. This shows an overall improving trend. We consider these responses to represent the tenaciousness in cooperation and efforts among each union’s members, and the fruits of our calls for fairer distribution of benefits.
(3) Regarding intra-company minimum wages, at this point 21 unions have secured raises averaging 2,072 yen. These gains will also contribute to higher wages for non-organized and non-regular workers, and we have fulfilled part of our social responsibility as a labor union toward raising overall pay. For unions that will get decisions amid continuing negotiations and discussions, we will strengthen our efforts as part of our social responsibility as a union.
(4) As for efforts to help non-regular workers, as of today some unions have seen concrete progress in responses and forward-thinking views from management. Unions that will continue their negotiations and discussions will push forward with their efforts toward real progress in connecting today’s trend of wage increases to better wages and treatment for non-organized and non-regular workers.
4. As for unions that will soon be receiving responses, we will bring together and publish the responses received by small and medium-sized designated unions and continue our support of other unions in the JC Joint Struggle in order to secure wage increases that are clearly larger than last year’s, just as other unions have today."
57th JCM Central Committee Meeting
2015 Spring Offensive Policy Officially Adopted
Held December 12, 2014 at Dai-ichi
Hotel Tokyo in Shinbashi
The JCM held its 57th Central Committee Meeting on December 12, 2014 from 2:30 at the Dai-ichi Hotel Tokyo in Shinbashi, Tokyo. Participants discussed the 2015 Spring Offensive Policy "The Way Forward for the 2015 Spring Offensive" and officially adopted it according to the draft.
The Central Committee began its meeting with remarks from President Yasunobu Aihara on behalf of the JCM. In light of the efforts toward the 2015 Spring Offensive: 1) Regarding the significance of the 2015 Spring Offensive, "I hope our current efforts will give us a chance to reconfirm our understanding that this is the first step in the JCM’s new half-century, as well as watershed moment for the Japanese economy and the livelihoods of the citizens." 2) Regarding the circumstances around the 2014 Spring Offensive, the offered analysis on four points: the economic downturn, trends in corporate earnings, the growth rate of consumer prices, and employment; particularly on employment, he remarked, "We believe that ensuring stable, long-term employment for employees, further strengthening investment in people, working to accumulate technologies, skills, and know-how of workers in the field, and boosting the ‘power of the workplace’ form the core of the personnel strategies that companies should take on in the future and the best solution to economic revitalization. Through these negotiations, we must strongly convey to the management side the need to break free from the deflationary mindset and to act toward these goals. He also spoke on 3) the basic approach toward pay raise demands, 4) non-regular workers, 5) easing of labor laws, and 6) international labor movements, after which he ended his remarks by saying, "The essence of the JCM movement is the ‘power of the workplace.’ I know that the 2015 Spring Offensive labor-management negotiations will not be easy, but we will bring together the silent voices of the workplaces and repay your earnest daily efforts by securing wages and working conditions that ensure the future of workplaces."
41 Elite Next-Generation Labor Leaders Complete Leadership Course
46th Course Brings Total Graduates to
1,584
All participants pose for a commemorative photograph after completing the course (October 18, 2014, Kyoto Seminar House)
The 46th installment of the legendary JCM Labor Leadership Course was held at the Kansai Seminar House in Kyoto beginning on October 6, 2014. A total of 41 next-generation union leaders came from as far east as Tochigi and as far west as Nagasaki. The main theme of the course was "Roles of Labor Unions in These Times." Participants took a variety of classes based on four core principles, and divided into five seminars to discuss issues involving labor unions in the manufacturing sector in a boarding-style setting. They completed the course on Saturday, October 18, with all 41 participants receiving their diplomas from Principal Kozo Kagawa. The completion of this 46th course brings the total number graduates to 1,584.
STOP Precarious Work Campaign: Global Day of Action 2014
Working in solidarity with comrades worldwide to realize "a society that ensures decent work"
President Aihara and the JCM’s three top-ranking officials, secretaries, and member union delegates make their appeals for stopping precarious work in front of Tamachi Station in Tokyo.
The JCM held street campaign activities for World Day for Decent Work 2014 on October 7, 2014, along with RENGO and the GUF Japan offices, as part of its activities for IndustriALL’s STOP Precarious Work Global Campaign.
A total of 100 delegates took part in the activities, including JCM President Aihara and the JCM’s three top-ranking officials, secretaries, and delegates from the five affiliated industry-based unions, as well as RENGO and GUF Japan office representatives. The street campaign called on passersby in front of Tamachi and Shinjuku stations to "Stop Precarious Work, Realize Decent Work," and handed out fliers.
Visits and Policy Meetings with Government Ministries
Opinions exchanged on strengthening domestic manufacturing
and issues involving employment
and labor
The JCM visited and held talks with the Ministry of the Environment on July 9, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry on July 29, the Ministry of Justice on July 30, the Ministry of Finance on July 31, the Bank of Japan, the Japan Fair Trade Commission, the Cabinet Office, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Ministry of Defense on August 19, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology on August 26, and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism on August 27. The JCM held discussions with the goal of realizing policies for four concrete issues raised in our "2014-15 Policy and Program Issues":
JCM Holds its 50th Anniversary Reception
600 affiliated individuals from Japan and overseas celebrate our half-century on the evening of September 2, 2014
JCM 50th Anniversary Reception (Grand Prince Hotel Takanawa)
The JCM held its 50th Anniversary Reception on September 2, 2014 in Takanawa, Tokyo.This reception followed its 53rd National Convention and a 50th Anniversary Lecture by Mr. Mamoru Mohri, astronaut and director of the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation, on the theme "Science and Technology as Culture, from the Perspective of Space". The reception was attended by about 600 people, including convention delegates as well as members of affiliated industrial federations and individual unions, advisors, former officers, and officials from both domestic and foreign agencies, all to celebrate a half-century of the JCM.
JCM Invites Astronaut Mamoru Mohri
for 50th Anniversary Lecture
Commemorative Lecture by Mr. Mamoru Mohri
Mr. Mohri delivers Anniversary Lecture
The JCM welcomed Mr. Mamoru Mohri, astronaut and director of the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation, to present a 50th Anniversary Lecture on September 2, 2014 in Takanawa, Tokyo, on the theme of "Science and Technology as Culture, from the Perspective of Space." The lecture followed the 53rd JCM National Convention and was received by an audience of around 500 convention attendees and guests at the 50th Anniversary Reception.
2015-16 Action Program Determined
President Aihara, General Secretary Asanuma and other new officers elected
50th Anniversary Lecture and Reception held afterward
The JCM held its 53rd National Convention, marking the milestone of the
50th anniversary of its formation, on Tuesday, September 2, 2014 from 10:00
a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Grand Prince Hotel Takanawa, in Shinagawa, Tokyo.
At this convention, attendees discussed and approved the 2015-16 Action Program, and launched the JCM's activities for FY2015. An election of officers
was also held. President Koichiro Nishihara and General Secretary Hideyuki
Wakamatsu stepped down to welcome a new 2015-16 organizational structure
led by new President Yasunobu Aihara (the 10th president) and General Secretary
Koichi Asanuma (the 6th general secretary). The conference was attended
by 283 delegates, 28 officers, and 60 visitors. As guests, a total of 43
individuals from 29 organizations and 17 countries and regions attended,
including, from Japan, RENGO President Nobuaki Koga, IndustriALL-JAF President
Hisanobu Shimada and IndustriALL-JAF General Secretary Yoshio Sato; and
from overseas, IndustriALL President Berthold Huber and General Secretary
Jyrki Raina, and other representatives from IndustriALL headquarters, regional
offices, and affiliated metalworkers' unions, as well as representatives
from the All-China Federation of Trade Unions and Chinese metalworkers'
unions. A 50th Anniversary Lecture and Reception were held following the
convention.
Visit of Encouragement to Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant
During JCM Energy Policy Roundtable on June 3
The JCM sent a delegation of 22 members, including its three top-ranking officials, policy committee and secretariat members, to the Tokyo Electric Power Co. Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant on Tuesday, June 3, 2014, to encourage Plant Chief Akira Ono and everyone who has been engaged in the 40-year process of decommissioning the plant. There are currently about 6,500 people engaged in work at the plant, and the employees of Tokyo Power along with the members of the JCM have a strong sense of mission in their devotion to their daily work. The work currently in progress includes removal of fuel from the Unit 4 reactor and prevention of groundwater contamination through construction of an ice wall. As part of measures to improve the working environment, an eight-story, large-scale rest station is scheduled for completion next year, and a food supply center that can supply 3,000 meals is scheduled to be built in the local area by the end of this fiscal year.
Visit of Encouragement to Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant
During JCM Energy Policy Roundtable on June 3,2014
The JCM sent a delegation of 22 members, including its three top-ranking officials, policy committee and secretariat members, to the Tokyo Electric Power Co. Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant on Tuesday, June 3, 2014, to encourage Plant Chief Akira Ono and everyone who has been engaged in the 40-year process of decommissioning the plant. There are currently about 6,500 people engaged in work at the plant, and the employees of Tokyo Power along with the members of the JCM have a strong sense of mission in their devotion to their daily work. The work currently in progress includes removal of fuel from the Unit 4 reactor and prevention of groundwater contamination through construction of an ice wall. As part of measures to improve the working environment, an eight-story, large-scale rest station is scheduled for completion next year, and a food supply center that can supply 3,000 meals is scheduled to be built in the local area by the end of this fiscal year.
2014 JCM Women’s Conference is Held
Allowing Women to Continue Working Vibrantly in the Metal Industry
Eight groups of participants actively exchange information and opinions
The JCM held its 2014 Women’s Conference on Saturday, April 19, 2014 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the JEIU Hall Conference Room in Minato Ward, Tokyo, with the theme of "Allowing Women to Continue Working Vibrantly in the Metal Industry." A total of 47 female leaders from affiliated industrial federations and individual unions took part in this fifth Women’s Conference. Following a panel discussion style look at two case studies from Toyota Motor Corporation and Hitachi Union, the participants were divided into eight groups to discuss the role of labor unions in helping men and women work vibrantly together. This year’s Conference marked the first time committee chairpersons and presidents of the five affiliated industrial federations, who serve as JCM vice-presidents, took part alongside the president and general secretary.
JCM 2014 Policy and Program Central Discussion Meeting
11 subcommittees discuss JCM 2014-15 Policy and Program Issues
General Policy Committee Chairman Yukio Manaka addresses the meeting
The JCM held its 2014 Policy and Program Central Discussion Meeting on April 16, 2014, in Yokohama to discuss the 2014-15 Policy and Program Issues.
About 140 members of affiliated industrial federations and individual unions, as well as our friends in IndustriALL-affiliated Japanese organizations IndustriALL-JAF and UA Zensen, took part. The participants were split into 11 groups and subcommittees to discuss issues in greater detail on four themes. Then the Policy Committee was held, in which it was agreed to make reinforcements and modifications based on the many opinions proposed during the meeting.
At the discussion meeting, Mr. Hiroichi Yoshida, a financial industry veteran who is now president of ELIIY Power Co., Ltd., a mass-producer of highly stable, stationary-use large-capacity lithium ion batteries, gave a lecture on the theme, "Safe Olivine-type Power Batteries for Electricity Storage will Save the World."
2014 Minimum Wage Center Meeting
270 Central and Regional Representatives on Minimum Wage Issues from Five Affiliated Industrial Federations Attend
2014 Minimum Wage Center Meeting (January 29, 2014, Shinagawa)
The JCM held its 2014 Minimum Wage Center Meeting in Shinagawa, Tokyo on the afternoon of January 29, 2014. A total of about 270 central and regional representatives on minimum wage issues from the five affiliated industrial federations took part.
Labor Policy Committee Chairman Shoji Arino addresses the meeting
The meeting opened with an address from JCM Vice president and Labor Policy Committee Chairman Shoji Arino, who told the group, "It is obvious that a minimum wage for the metal industry based on region-based minimum wages that apply to all workers would be advantageous. Employers should also take pride and consider raising wage levels. We need to take our initiatives by going back to the starting point of special (industry-based) minimum wages."
Takashi Suda, Executive Director of the Department of Working Conditions at RENGO, gave a talk on "Trends and Issues Involving Minimum Wages," in which he spoke about trends at the Central Minimum Wage Council and RENGO’s 2014 Policy on Minimum Wage Initiatives.
Next, General Secretary Hideyuki Wakamatsu reported on the 2014 Policy on Special (Industry-based) Minimum Wage Initiatives," after which official discussions were held. Participants expressed views including, "We would like to see efforts made toward a system that allows both labor and management to take initiative," and, "We want further discussions in both the JCM and RENGO about approaches toward Special (Industry-based) Minimum Wages that consider issues in Tokyo, Kanagawa, and Osaka." Takashi Suda, Executive Director of the Department of Working Conditions at RENGO, along with Central Minimum Wage Council board members Tamayo Tomita, Fumitaka Hagiwara and Tohru Kishino, and General Secretary Wakamatsu, offered responses. The meeting concluded with this agreement: "There is great significance in the fact that minimum wage representatives from all over Japan have come together for this meeting. As we push forward with our special (industry-based) minimum wage initiatives, it is important to expand signing of intra-company minimum wage agreements and raise their wage levels. Let’s work to get results in the 2014 Spring Offensive."
2014 Spring Offensive Meeting is Held
We will fulfill our responsibility in negotiations until the end
and by all means achieve our demands under the banner of the JC Joint Struggle!
Better understanding of each federation’s demands and initiatives achieved through panel discussion including presidents and general secretaries of five affiliated industrial federations
2014 Spring Offensive Meeting panel discussion
The JCM held its 2014 Spring Offensive Meeting on the afternoon of January 28, 2014 at Pacifico Yokohama. Nearly 190 representatives from affiliated industrial federations and individual unions attended.
Economic Growth and Ending Deflation Require Higher Pay
The JCM gives its views on Nippon Keidanren's "Report of the Committee on Management and Labor Policy"
Nippon Keidanren announced its "Report of the Committee on Management and Labor Policy" on January 20, which clarified the position management will take in upcoming labor-management negotiations. In response, the JCM promptly presented its views on the same day.
Japan’s economy has truly entered a critical stage. We cannot stick exclusively to a macro-management outlook under the guise of labor-management autonomy and repeat the mistakes of ending as we did in the first half of the 2000s, during which wage increases did not keep pace with economic recovery. We believe that management should use the next Spring Offensive as an opportunity to fulfill its responsibilities in ensuring economic growth and putting an end to deflation through greater consumption.
2014 Spring Offensive Policy Officially Adopted
Held December 9 at Dai-ichi Hotel
Tokyo in Shinbashi
"The Way Forward for the 2014 Spring Offensive" is officially adopted at the 56th Central Committee Meeting (December 9, Shinbashi, Tokyo)
The JCM held its 56th Central Committee Meeting on December 9, 2013 from 2:30 to 5:00 p.m. at the Dai-ichi Hotel Tokyo in Shinbashi, Tokyo. Participants discussed the 2014 Spring Offensive Policy, "The Way Forward for the 2014 Spring Offensive," and officially adopted it according to the draft.
JCM Policy Study Meeting (November 28, 2013)
Opinion exchanged on critical policy issues
The JCM held its Policy Study Meeting on November 28, 2013 in Tokyo. At the Policy Study Meeting, the three top officers of the JCM and JCM political advisors, among others, exchange opinions on the policy issues being faced by metalworkers.
President Nishihara offers opening remarks
President
Nishihara delivered opening remarks on behalf of the JCM. He said, "To ensure
growth, a balance of competition and dividends are important; however, I cannot
get a sense of what kind of society this current administration is aiming for. With
signs of the deterioration of worker protection rules, working people are
facing a critical situation. While standing up against Prime Minister Abe’s
administration, I would like to ask the Democratic Party of Japan to promote
policy from the viewpoint of working people."
House member Ohata speaks on behalf of
political advisors
Then Executive Political Advisor and House of Representatives member Akihiro Ohata addressed the group on behalf of JCM political advisors. A summary of his comments: "It all starts with taking action with the people. The DPJ wants to make it clear that people are the center of its outlook on issues. We have created a poster that reads, 'Protect lives, jobs and livelihoods.' I will do my best to ensure that our party can come back as a trusted party."
Later, participants exchanged opinions on issues including approaches toward wage increases, the need for shoring up society as a whole, and growth strategy.
8th International Labor Training Program Held in Thailand
October 27-November 3, 2013; 31
participants
Japan-Thailand Metalworkers’ Exchange Conference
The JCM held its 8th International Labor Training Program in Bangkok, Thailand from October 27 to November 2, 2013. Thirty-one delegates from the five JCM affiliated industrial federations took part, including 4 female delegates.
To better understand the perspectives of the government, management, and unions on the labor situation in Thailand and labor-management relations, the participants spent October 28 and 29 visiting the Embassy of Japan in Thailand, the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) Thailand office, the American Center for International Labor Solidarity (ACILS) Thailand office, the Japan International Labour Foundation (JILAF) Thailand office, the Employers' Confederation of Thailand (ECOT), and the Thai Ministry of Labour, and held informal talks with each.
On October 30, a "Japan-Thailand Metalworkers' Exchange Conference" was held in the Bang Na district of Bangkok with the Confederation of Thai Electrical Appliances, Electronic, Automobile and Metalworkers (TEAM) and the Automobile Labour Congress of Thailand (ALCT). The JCM, TEAM and ALCT delegates each offered reports on topics including "Communication with the Company: A System for Communicating with the Company on a Daily Basis" and "Communication with Union Members: Communication in the Workplace and Awareness of Union Members," after which understanding was furthered through a question-and-answer session.
Then with the purpose of further study of
labor-management relations at actual workplaces, the JCM visited Panasonic
Thailand on October 31 and Nissan Motor Thailand on November 1 to tour the
factories and conduct informal talks with workers and management. The JCM then
visited each of the head offices of TEAM and ALCT in order to deepen
understanding of the activities of industrial federations in Thailand’s
metalworking sector.
Acting JBU President Sawada Appointed
to Succeed JCM Vice President Kozu
Officer Appointment Confirmed at 15th Executive Committee Meeting
At the
15th JCM Executive Committee Meeting held on October 25, 2013, on the occasion
of the selection of Vice President Rikio Kozu (Chairman, Japan Federation of
Basic Industry Workers' Unions (JBU)) to become RENGO General Secretary at the
RENGO Convention (October 3-4), Acting JBU President Mr. Kazuo Sawada (IHI) was
chosen to succeed Mr. Kozu as Vice President of the JCM. The selection was made
through discussion at the 4th Officers Selection Committee upon official
decision by the JBU and RENGO.
Kazuo Sawada, Vice President, JCM (Deputy President, JBU)
Discussions held on challenges facing metalworkers’ unions in Japan and Korea,
including retirement systems, working hours and minimum wages
Held on October 23, 2013 in Yokohama
Japan-Korea Regular Metalworkers’ Discussion Meeting (October 23, 2013, Yokohama)
The JCM and the Federation of Korean Metalworkers’ Trade Unions (FKMTU) held their Regular Discussion Meeting on October 23, 2013 at Workpia Yokohama in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan. A total of 32 delegates from the Korean side attended, including FMKTU Chairman Kim Man Jae, Vice Chairman Jon Il Jin, and Secretary General Kim Seong Soo. From the Japanese side, a total of 42 delegates attended, comprised of the three top-ranking officials including President Nishihara along with delegates from affiliated industrial federations and individual unions. The two sides discussed the issues facing metalworkers in Japan and Korea, including minimum wages and various political, economic and social circumstances, through reports and a question-and-answer session.
45th Leadership Cource
October 7-19,2013,Kyoto
After intense studies in the Kyoto autumn, all 39 participants complete
the course,
bringing the total number of graduates to 1,543.
Students are all smiles at the graduation ceremony after the two-week course
The 45th JCM Labor Leadership Course was held at the Kansai Seminar House in Kyoto beginning on October 7, 2013. Although it is usually held in January, from this year onward it will be held in October. At the graduation ceremony on October 19, all 39 participants were awarded their certificates, this time from Principal Kozo Kagawa (Professor, Osaka Jogakuin University), who has taken over duties from Principal Satoshi Hirata.)
Over the 12 days of the course, students attended 13 classes based on 4 "pillars". In the first pillar, Learning Your Historical Background (Vertical), classes included "Postwar Labor Movements and Transitions in Labor-Management Relations" and "International Labor Movements." In the second pillar, Learning Where you Stand Now (Points), classes included "Labor Law," "Labor-Management Relations," "Labor Economics," "Building Union Strategy," "Statistics," "Gender Equality and Diverse Styles of Work," and "Introduction to Financial Analysis for Labor Unions." In the third pillar, Learning the Expansion of the World Where You Live (Horizontal), classes included "International Economics" and "Organizations are People and People are Organizations." In the fourth pillar, Learning the Basics for Living (In-Depth), classes included "Fantasy Groups" and "Mental Health in the Workplace." In addition to the system of 13 classes, students also heard an opening lecture on "Future Labor Movements and Leader Images" (President Nishihara), a JCM lecture on "JCM Movement Issues," and a special lecture on "Management and People" (Masahiko Aoki, Auditor, Nissan Motor), along with four-part seminars on five subjects led by instructors. Through all of these, participants held thorough discussions and looked for solutions to the issues faced by workplaces and labor unions, based on their common understanding of the manufacturing and metalworking industries and crossing the boundaries of their industry-based federations and individual unions. On the 18th, after giving individual reports at seminars in the morning, all students spent half a day giving seminar presentations and shared what they had learned with the entire group.
In between the classes, participants were able to further their exchange through cultural opportunities in Kyoto, such as experiencing a tea ceremony, Zen meditation, nighttime Noh theater by a fire, walks on Mount Kurama, and climbing Mount Hiei (optional).
Ms. Keiko Haramura (Federation of All Toyota
Workers’ Unions), the first female class president, cheerfully offers words of
gratitude and determination at the end of the graduation ceremony.
At the graduation
ceremony, Principal Kagawa addressed the group, then handed certificates of
completion to all 39 graduates. The students then heard words of farewell from
JCM General
Secretary Hideyuki Wakamatsu and a Yamazaki Kansai Bloc member representing the local
blocs, along with the seminar lecturers: Principal Kagawa, Assistant Principal
Mitsuo Ishida, and Steering Committee members Yoshifumi Nakata, Yasunobu
Tomita, and Masashi Ueda (Professors, Doshisha University).
Finally, Ms. Keiko Haramura (Federation of All Toyota Workers’ Unions), serving as the class president, spoke on behalf of the students, saying that they would use what they learned in these courses in their future endeavors and promising that the 39 students would further strengthen the bonds of friendship they had forged during the course. The close of the 45th course brings the total number of graduates from the program to 1,543. The 46th Leadership Course is scheduled to begin in October 2014 at Kansai Seminar House.
52nd JCM National Convention is Held
2014 Action Program is Deliberated and Decided
New Officers Selected ? 4 out of 14
Executive Committee Members are Women
The JCM held its 52nd National Convention on Tuesday, September 3, 2013 from 10:00 a.m. at TKP Shinagawa in Minato Ward, Tokyo. A total of 280 delegates (including 60 women), 25 officers, and 37 visitors attended from the five affiliated industrial federations. As for matters reported at the Convention, following a general progress report, Spring Offensive progress report, 2013 accounting report, and audit reports, the agenda covered five matters for deliberation and decision:
1. The 2014 Action Program
2. Revision of Terms and Regulations
3. Handling of general account surplus for 2013
4. 2014 accounting budget
5. Selection of officers
Discussions with the Ministry of Finance, the Bank of Japan, the Ministry of the Environment, the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, and the Cabinet Office
Opinions exchanged on protecting manufacturing bases in Japan and challenges regarding labor and employment
The JCM visited and held talks with the Ministry of Finance on June 18, the Bank of Japan on June 20, the Ministry of the Environment and the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare on June 25, and the Cabinet Office on July 10. In this round of policy meetings, the JCM explained the current state of the metal industry, including the increase of domestic plant closures and job losses, and then stressed the importance of continuing the correcting trend in the yen’s rise, stability in currency exchange rates, achieving an energy and environmental policy that allows for both environmental protection and economic growth, and maintaining quality employment with long-term stability.
◆だいやまーくPolicy meeting with Ministry of Finance
Tuesday, June 18, 2013Ministry of FinanceShinichi Sato, Deputy Vice Minister for Policy Planning and Co-ordination
◎にじゅうまる As stated in the joint statement issued by the Government and the Bank of Japan on January 22, the Bank of Japan will work toward monetary easing with an inflation (price stability) target of 2 percent, and the government will work to flexibly manage macroeconomic policy, form a growth strategy and establish a sustainable fiscal structure.
◎にじゅうまる With the government’s growth strategy, we must not only form new markets, but also change the practices of individual companies and industries. Government, workers and employees should talk with each other about improving productivity and other matters. All parties should work to ensure that if earnings rise, then wages will rise.
◎にじゅうまるJapan’s sound fiscal consolidation is a precondition for capital inflow from overseas.
◎にじゅうまるMovements in financial markets cause changes in stock prices, which also impacts exchange rates and leads to reactions in interest rates. We wish to create an environment that makes management easier, so that companies can go to new frontiers. This will make the macro environment more conducive to wage increases.
◎にじゅうまるTo shore up the Japanese economy, more than just one portion of it needs to earn a profit. Throughout the adjustment process, there will be some inconsistency in which certain areas profit while others do not; however, 2 percent inflation will make adjustment easier. The price increase will also make it easier to provide wages appropriate for labor productivity.
◎にじゅうまるThe bond purchasing by the BOJ was so huge that some hesitation occurred in the markets, in addition to higher interest rates overseas that caused a temporary rise in interest rates in Japan. Since then we have had a series of interactions with the markets, and we have achieved calm thanks to certain adjustments in the BOJ’s bond-buying operations. Now the sense of agitation is far behind us.
◎にじゅうまるWe view the recent drop in stock prices as a phase of correction from their sudden increase. Some causes include selloffs at the end of the fiscal year for hedge funds and Federal Reserve Chairman Bernanke’s remarks on exiting quantitative easing. Stock prices in Japan are quite high compared to the beginning of the year. If Japan can break free from deflation and convince people that it will achieve a GDP growth of just under 3%, the stock prices will recover.
◎にじゅうまるThe 2020 greenhouse gas reduction targets will be subject to zero-base review as directed by the Prime Minister. If we continue offering a 25% target that we know is impossible, the international community will not understand us. Japan is taking a serious approach and we want this to be clearly reflected in our targets.
◎にじゅうまるAlso from an international view, it’s important to develop green industries. By expanding Japanese companies’ world-leading technologies overseas, we want to reduce carbon emissions in developing countries and use these reductions as "bilateral offset credits (JCM)" that count toward Japan’s targets.
◎にじゅうまるJapan as a whole still faces a power shortage, but what matters is not only reasonable prices for electricity, but also our efforts to control greenhouse gases. Coal-fired thermal power plants are increasing in use, but we will work to have older facilities replaced with newer ones, including more efficient thermal power plants.
Tuesday,
June 25, 2013Ministry of Health, Labour
and Welfare,
Mr. Takeshi Kumagai
Director-General for Policy Planning and Evaluation
◎にじゅうまるInvoluntary non-regular workers account for 20% of the total 3.48 million non-regular workers according to the Labour Force Survey. Rather than polarizing regular and non-regular workers, we will work toward life support and aid in making them regular workers.
◎にじゅうまるIn regards to employment adjustment subsidies, while we do not intend to deny them, some companies continue to receive benefits despite the upturn in the economy, so we wish to return the system to one of ordinary times.
◎にじゅうまるWe also want to study measures for maintaining employment in Germany, which has strengths in the European manufacturing industry. We are aware that we cannot simply focus on one style of work, and that we need to keep a broader perspective in our review.
◎にじゅうまるEmployment and labor issues will be discussed in the Labor Policy Council. For now, discussions will begin with the Worker Dispatching Act and working hours. Employee dismissal regulations are legal precedents and it is the Ministry’s position that loosening them is legally impossible. There is also talk of monetary solutions, but we would like to discuss specific policy in the Labor Policy Council. We believe that having multiple discussions with workplaces is important.
Wednesday,
July 10, 2013Cabinet Office,
Masaaki
Kawagoe, Director to the Director-General for Economic and Fiscal Management
(Summary Charge) / Jun Takahashi, Director to the Director-General for Economic
and Fiscal Management (Industry and Employment)
The
JCM visited the Cabinet Office on July 10 and discussed issues such as the continuation
of the correcting trend in the yen rise, stability of exchange rates, and fiscal
reconstruction. The comments from the Cabinet Office are summarized below.
◎にじゅうまるThe purpose of monetary easing is to end
deflation. Weakening the yen is not our goal, but it is a necessary process for
the recovery of Japan’s economy, so we will make efforts.
◎にじゅうまるIt would be nice if we could raise wages without any effort, but if some sort of plan is needed, dialogue between government, workers and employees would likely help to improve the overall environment. This would be one effective means if it creates the awareness that wage increases are important for mid- to long-term growth in Japan if the right results are achieved.
6th Asian Metalworkers' Liaison Conference
April 22-23, 2013 in Singapore
The JCM held its sixth Asian Metalworkers’ Liaison Conference on April 22 and 23, 2013 at Downtown East in Singapore. This conference was held with the cooperation of the IMF-SC (IMF Singapore Council), who acted as host. A total of 61 delegates from 13 countries took part, representing metalworkers’ unions, the IndustriALL head office, and regional offices in the Asia-Pacific region. A total of 17 representatives from the JCM attended, including President Nishihara. In addition, to promote mutual understanding and cooperation in the activities of the three former global union federations, two representatives from UA Zensen attended as observers.2013 Women’s Conference Report
Allowing Women to Continue Working Vibrantly
in the Metal Industry
2013 Policy Seminar: "Vision for the Future of Manufacturing in Japan"
April 10, 2013JEIU Hall, Tokyo
Held with the theme of "Vision for the Future
of Manufacturing in Japan"
Masahiro Sakane (Industrial Competitiveness Council Member/Councilor and Senior Adviser, Komatsu Ltd.)
delivers a presentation on "State of Deliberations on Future Growth Strategy"
The JCM held its 2013 Policy Seminar on April 10 from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. at the JEIU Hall Conference Room in Tokyo. This seminar, held with the theme of "Vision for the Future of Manufacturing in Japan," was attended by 120 delegates from industrial federations and individual unions. To begin, General Policy Committee Chairman Yukio Manaka (Vice President, JAM President) delivered remarks in which he spoke on the significance of this seminar: "The massive yen appreciation, which was the greatest obstacle to revival of the Japanese economy, is on a correcting trend; however, the grand design for maintaining and strengthening the Japanese manufacturing bases and ensuring the survival of domestic manufacturing has not yet been drawn. The government is working on a growth strategy with a mid-2013 goal in its Industrial Competitiveness Council. In addition to furthering our awareness of the state of these discussions, I hope this seminar will be useful in our efforts to grasp the state of recovery in manufacturing in the Great East Japan Earthquake disaster area, and of employment in manufacturing in the Kyushu region, which is competing with manufacturing in other Asian countries, in shaping the policy and program, industrial policy, and management strategy activities of the JCM and its industrial federations and individual unions."
Then General Policy Bureau Deputy Director Shigetoshi
Asai delivered a report from the Head Office on the topics of "Major Action
Items in JCM Policy and Program Issues" and "2013 Policy and Program Issues of
the JCM and Local Offices." Next, two case study reports were presented from
local offices. The first was from Tohoku Bloc representative Yoshio Kanno (JEIU
Miyagi Council Representative) on the topic of "Restoring Manufacturing in
Great East Japan Earthquake Disaster Areas." The second was from the JCM Kyushu
Bloc representative Koji Tai (JEIU Fukuoka Council Representative) on the topic
of "State of Employment in Manufacturing in the Kyushu Region." Then Masahiro
Sakane, an Industrial Competitiveness Council member and a Councilor and Senior
Advisor at Komatsu, Ltd., delivered a presentation on "State of Deliberations
on Future Growth Strategy." Finally JCM General Secretary Hideyuki Wakamatsu gave
a summary to close the seminar.
?儁eeting with Keidanren (at Keidanren Kaikan)
The JCM held a meeting with Keidanren on the morning of April 4, 2013 at Keidanren Kaikan in Otemachi, Tokyo. The meeting began with opening remarks from both organizations, from Keidanren Vice Chairman Koji Miyahara and JCM President Nishihara. Then each of the vice presidents commented on training and ensuring personnel to support workplace capabilities, ideas on labor regulations, proactive investment and training in growth areas, revitalization of SMEs and regional economies, energy, TPP, deflation, currency stability, and other issues facing the metal industry, and a vigorous exchange of opinions was held. In addition, the JCM introduce and shared awareness of its efforts toward building sound labor-management relations abroad.
1. All labor unions secured periodic pay raises as part of the wage structure.
(Periodic pay raises as part of the wage structure involves maintaining the wage system of increasing wages each year for individuals without falling below the previous year’s wage standards for each age group. In order to secure periodic pay raises, it is necessary to raise wages by about 2% per person.)
2. Regarding bonuses, we achieved a result of 4.77 months’ worth of bonus, an increase of 0.17 months over the previous year’s standard of 4.60 months.
3. Regarding intra-company minimum wages, 11 labor unions secured raises of 500 yen.
4. At the same time, we declared the following view in relation to moves to reform labor regulations that the government is pursuing.
The government’s advisory body is examining changes to labor conditions that would disadvantage workers and reforms that would enable employers to retrench workers more easily. We the JCM are firmly opposed to these kinds of reforms. What the government should be doing now is curbing growth in the number of non-regular workers, who are subject to unstable employment and low income levels, improving the environment to achieve equal and balanced treatment with regular workers, and raising overall wages standards including for non-regular workers by raising the minimum wage.◆だいやまーくJCM President Nishihara’s Remarks (summary)
The foundation for
opening the future prospects of companies lies in the self-supporting efforts
of labor and management. However, it cannot be denied that policy issues such
as the yen appreciation and deflation, the TPP and other free trade and
economic partnerships, and environmental and energy policies are a hindrance on
the sound growth of the metal industry and on maintaining and creating quality
employment. Regardless of the political circumstances or government structure, the
JCM will always call for realization of policy from the perspective of workers
in the metal and manufacturing industries. Here again I ask all of our
political advisors for your continued understanding and efforts to realize
these policies.
◆だいやまーくRemarks by Executive
Political Advisor AkihiroOhata
There are two challenges
facing the new administration of the Democratic Party of Japan. One is the
issue of the split in the party that has resulted from distrust toward the DPJ.
Regardless of the various debates over policy issues, I hope that the party
will come to a consensus and then join together in spirit. The other challenge
is the issue of clarifying the positions of the DPJ. In this regard,
the party is working on its platform.
◆だいやまーくReports from JCM industrial federations: "On Trends in
the Metal Industry and Policy Issues"
Regarding industrial trends and policy issues for the JCM, the following
is a summary of the reports from each federation.
•The automobile acquisition tax will be eliminated, but
the ruling party is suggesting a transfer of resources from the vehicle tax. It
is also suggesting keeping the vehicle weight tax and earmarking funds for road
construction, so there is a sense of impending crisis.
• On the point of stopping the hollowing out of Japan’s industry,
the recent correction in the yen’s appreciation has led to an increase in
orders from overseas. We anticipate that the current yen level will be
maintained.
• The Temporary Measures to Facilitate Financing for SMEs
will expire at the end of March, leading to concerns about financing.
• Due to the long continuation of the excessive yen
appreciation, orders have reached a critical situation. After 2015, when ships
currently under construction will be handed over to their buyers, it is
possible that manufacturers will reach a state in which they have no work
whatsoever.
• As a result in the decline
in domestic demand, some companies have made structural reforms. This has led
to a harsh environment in terms of maintaining jobs.
◆だいやまーくExchange of opinions
The political advisors offered the following views.
・Listening
to the comments from local regions, some have been harsher than imagined. The
post-election backswing is not being felt, and in fact we sense that things may
be getting worse. We need to have them hear the positions of the DPJ directly.
・How we
should conduct activities in these circumstances is a major point of concern.
The DPJ is most likely the only party that can sympathize with the values of
labor unions, and I hope we can lay the groundwork so that those on the front
lines can do their work without shrinking back.
To ensure safe, stable work and protect the livelihoods of union members,
we will put full effort behind negotiations
to achieve our demands
under the banner of the JC Joint Struggle
The JCM held its 2013 Spring Offensive Meeting on the afternoon of January
22, 2013 at the JEIU Hall Conference Room in Tokyo. Nearly 140 representatives
from affiliated industrial federations and corporate and individual unions
attended.
To start the meeting, President Nishihara addressed the group. Among his
remarks:
"With the awareness that the overall performance in each
industry has been quite poor, and that our efforts will take place in an
uncertain and unclear negotiating environment, we will demand ‘investment in
people,’ which is essential for protecting and improving the personnel and
workplace capabilities that support the continuation and strengthening of the
domestic business foundation from the very bottom, and are the driving force
for opening the future prospects of companies and industries. And we will
demand that companies ensure safe and stable employment and provide fair
allocations to workers. Maintaining the pay raise portion to protect union
members’ livelihoods is one of the absolute missions of the JC Joint Struggle, and
additionally supporting wage levels in order to break free from deflation is a
social mission of the socially influential JCM on which we cannot compromise. We
will put our full efforts behind negotiations to achieve these demands, in
which workplaces have entrusted their earnest hopes and dreams, under the
banner of the JC Joint Struggle."
Then Professor Takahiro Fujimoto of the University of Tokyo Graduate School of Economics gave a presentation titled "Strengthening the Domestic Foundation of the Manufacturing Industry". In this presentation, he stressed the importance of keeping a watch on the workplaces in the manufacturing industry. He also stressed that Japan can overcome the fluctuations in exchange rates and other adverse conditions by improving its productivity and its one-of-a-kind workplace capabilities. He also touched on the possibility of reviving production using the coordinating abilities that are characteristic of Japanese companies, and argued that the tide today is continuously changing and it is natural to view the current state as "pre-dawn".
Next, JCM General Policy Bureau Deputy Director Shigetoshi Asai gave the official report titled "Opinions of the JCM Facing the 2013 Spring Offensive," which offered the views of the JCM toward the arguments from the management side in this year’s Spring Offensive, including: 1) breaking free from the era of low-wage competition; 2) correction of the strong yen and the economic environment, 3) domestic deindustrialization and Japan’s six competitive disadvantages; 4) international comparison of wages; 5) ensuring employment after age 60; and 6) work-life balance.
Finally, a panel discussion titled "Industrial Federation Initiatives for the 2013 Spring Offensive" was held. Coordinated by General Secretary Hideyuki Wakamatsu, the panel was comprised of the presidents and general secretaries of the five industrial federations. After the panelists explained industry trends and gave an overview of their Spring Offensive policies, they introduced their special initiatives for the 2013 Spring Offensive. They pledged to further their mutual understanding as well as to band together to maintain and improve livelihoods and jobs, not just for JCM union members but for all workers.
2013 Spring Offensive and JC Joint Struggle
United Response Day set for Wednesday,March 13
Confirmed at 1st Strategic Committee Meeting on December 20
The JCM held its first Strategic Committee Meeting for the 2013
Spring Offensive on December 20, 2012. Upon confirming dates of "March 13-14 as
the major peak" at the 1st RENGO Spring Offensive Joint Struggle Liaison
Meeting with all delegates, it decided that the JC Joint Struggle Unified
Response Day would be held on Wednesday, March 13.
JCM Delegates Take Part in the industriALL "STOP Precarious Work"
Global Campaign
■しかくRENGO and GUF organizations jointly sponsor a World Day for Decent Campaign■しかく
The JCM, as part of the IndustriALL STOP Precarious Work global campaign, sent around 150 delegates to the World Day for Decent Work 2012 forum held jointly in Tokyo by RENGO and the Japanese GUF organizations on the afternoon of October 11, 2012.The delegation included President Nishihara and the JCM’s top three officers, the Executive Committee Members, secretaries, and delegates from its five affiliated industrial federations. Following the forum, participants went to three rail stations throughout Tokyo and held street rallies urging citizens to "stop precarious work and realize decent work."
○しろまるThe regular pay raise amount
will be ensured for each union.
○しろまるThe entire IMF-JC will support the 924 unions working toward wage increases and revisions so that pay raises will be achieved.
○しろまるBonuses will be secured as
requested to ensure continued stability and peace of mind for workers'
livelihoods.
○しろまるFor intra-company minimum
wage agreements, responses that meet our requests will be received.
○しろまるFor assurance of employment after age 60, we will demand fulfillment of
social responsibility considering the "2013 problem".
Demands Presented to DPJ Acting President Sengoku Demanding
Action on the Yen Rise
■しかくMarch 8, 2012■しかく
On Thursday, March 8, 2012, the IMF-JC submitted its
demands for stronger countermeasures to address the appreciation of the yen and
combat deflation to Democratic Party of Japan Acting President Yoshito Sengoku.
Mr. Sengoku said that he understands that domestic jobs have been lost due to
the transfer of business overseas in the manufacturing industry, and showed his
awareness that new paths for employment must be created within Japan. In
response, IMF-JC General Secretary Wakamatsu asserted that the yen rise has
forced many small and mid-sized parts and materials manufacturers that support
Japan's manufacturing industry to move overseas, accelerating the hollowing-out
of the industry, and that this trend is hurting not only export industries but
also Japan's economy as a whole. [Photo: DPJ Acting President Yoshito Sengoku (right) accepts written demands
to address the yen rise from IMF-JC General Secretary Wakamatsu]
Opinions Exchanged with Political Advisors for Addressing the Yen Rise
The continuing yen rise is severely affecting the metal industry
IMF-JC 50th
National Convention
Action Program
Discussed and Determined
Held in
The IMF-JC held its 50th National Convention on September 6, 2011, in
→IMF-JC President's Adress,Koichiro Nishihara
→Rengo President's AdressNobuaki ,Koga
→IMF Guest 's Adress,Kan Matsuzaki
→IMF-JC 2012 Aciton Program
IMF-JC 2011 Women’s Conference
A vigorous exchange of ideas on issues including women’s participation in labor
movements
■しかく47 participants from affiliated industry-based and individual unions■しかく
8th Seminar for Preventing Overseas Labor-Management Disputes
Discussions held on labor situation in
■しかく154 participants from metalworkers'
labor and management■しかく
The IMF-JC held its 8th Seminar for Preventing Overseas Labor-Management Disputes on July 1, 2011, from 1:30 p.m. at the JEIU Hall in Ichinohashi, Tokyo. A total of 154 delegates from labor and management in IMF-JC affiliated industry-based and individual unions and companies took part. At this seminar, we heard a presentation from Kokushikan University Professor Takashi Umezawa on the current labor situation and labor-management relations in India, which is the subject of much attention as an emerging market. IMF-JC Assistant General Secretary Masahiro Nogi also reported on the current status and issues regarding the construction of trade union networks in TNCs, on which the IMF-JC is currently working to prevent overseas labor-management disputes. Later, we heard case study presentations from the Omron Trade Union and the Federation of All Nissan and General Workers' Unions regarding efforts to build union networks in TNCs.
2nd Labor-Management Workshop for Building Sound Labor-Management Relationships
Reconfirming the importance of labor-management communication
■しかく117 participants from Japanese companies in Bekasi, Indonesia■しかく
