March 21, 2000

Japanese Trade Union Confederation (JTUC-RENGO)

It is unheard-of to steamroller a social security-related bill in the both Houses. This is a serious challenge against workers and their families who are now looking for the peaceful post-retirement. RENGO should oppose such a reckless attempt with anger and request for the withdrawal of the division and further deliberation.

The current session of the Diet has not yet deliberate in depth fundamental problems that are of the people's great interest, such as future benefit level, pensionable age and retirement age and the raise of the State share in the basic pension. The total prospect of pension in connection with newly established care system and financially unbalanced medical insurance has not even got into the news.

The people are taking an increasing interest in the pension and other social security systems. This is proved by the fact that a number of signatures have been collected for the signature-collecting campaign of RENGO. The people request the Government to establish reliable pension system and to give a clear picture of total social security systems. Thus, it is the responsibility of the Diet to listen to such public voices, for example, by holding public hearings at the local level. However, the Diet has unreasonably closed its deliberation.

RENGO will continue its struggle to the end and call for the repeal of the division and thorough deliberation. All workers, together with the wise and statesmen who are serious about the future of Japan, should make a strong appeal and take an action.