December 15, 1999

Kiyoshi SASAMORI
General Secretary
Japanese Trade Union Confederation (JTUC-RENGO)

The second opinion of the Regulatory Reform Councils does not contain measures to ensure the stability and security in employment and living nor a proposal for the establishment of fair labour rules, while containing proposals of competitiveness promotion measures.

On the occasion of the announcement of points for discussion in the Council in July 1999, Rengo has requested for the early enactment of the Workers Protection Law to ensure the enforceability the 4 requirements for dismissals. However, Rengo's request is not reflected in the opinion at all.

In the area of labour and employment, it is insisted that the principle of law to abuse the right to dismissal restrain employers from employment. Rengo does not accept such a claim because this despises the right of workers.

In the area of the welfare pension fund, the opinion does not touch upon measure to guarantee the right to receive a pension. It rather suggests the extension of the investment of the fund. Such suggestion may create the sense of insecurity among the working people and thus Rengo should be in the position to opposing to it.

The understanding of the people is prerequisite to the promotion of regulatory reform. Rengo requests for measures to guarantee the stable management of the pension scheme and the establishment fair rules of the market.