Rengo confirms Actions to Include Its Requests in Bills
(19 December 1997)
At the 4th Central Executive Committee on 11 December, Rengo confirms its immediate actions related to the revision of labour legislation, taking into account the time schedule of the submission of the bills.
1. Procedure predicted

  1. The Central Labour Standards Council will make a proposal to the Minister of Labour based on its report published on 4 December.
  2. Minister of Labour will consult with the Council the outline of the bill based on the Council's proposal.
  3. The Council will discuss the bill and submit its report. Then, the bill will be discussed by the Cabinet for approval, presumably in early February, and will be submitted to the Congress.
  4. The Congress will start the discussion on the bill, if the ruling and opposition parties agree to treat the bill as an important bill, from the middle of April.
2. The counterplan for the bill
  1. The provisions of the bill should be as clear and definite as possible so that Rengo can clarify its position, in particular on the following points:

    • Setting the maximum of holiday and overtime working hours: Rengo requests that the overtime should be limited to 360 hours per year as the ceiling for time being and 150 hours from April 2001, holiday work to once every four weeks and night work to 40 hours per 3 weeks.
    • Expanding the Scope of discretion work to embrace regular white-collar workers: The Council should further continue discussing this issue in principle, but if not so, the Law should clearly describe the scope, conditions and protection measures as discussed in the Council's report.
    • Deregulating the conditions of the irregular working hour system: Rengo requests the existing regulation to remain in principle. Following the report, one day-off at least should be secured per week and the means should be taken to reduce the contracted working hours.
    • Limiting the duration of labour contract: It should be ensured that it does not lead to an unstable employment situation.

  2. As regards the cooperation with political parties, Rengo requests them to understand in full the above Rengo's concerns and to formulate an alternative bill.
3. Means to be taken by the affiliates and local
  1. The affiliates should make an effort to:

    • Study collective agreements concerning overtime work.
    • Organize seminars in order for their members to have well knowledge about the revision of the labour laws so that they are fully competent to conclude a new contract or renew the existing contract.
    • Request members of the Congress who are in cooperation of the affiliates.

  2. The Local Rengos should:

    • Organize seminars in order for members and the people in the community to know about the Rengo's requests
    • Request the members of the Congress from the district.
4. The public movement

Rengo will organize "actions of the anger", involving not only its members but also unorganized workers. A concrete programme will be determined at the 5th Central Executive Committee scheduled to take place on 14 January 1998.

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