Revised Labour Standards Law approved (25 September 1998)

On 25 September 1998, the Revised Labour Standards Law Bill passed the plenary of the House of Councillors. RENGO had been pushing its counterproposal aiming at establishing rules at work toward the 21st century at the stage of the council's discussion. Since the beginning of the Diet's deliberation, RENGO was actively lobbying inside the Diet. This approved bill was not sufficient compared with the RENGO's proposal. However, as General Secretary Mr. Sasamori commented, it was satisfactory taking into consideration the Minister's explanation at the Diet and a supplementary resolution.

Tripartite Employment Conference begins (25 September 1998)

At the request of RENGO and Nikkeiren (Japan Federation of Employers Associations), the first meeting of the Tripartite Employment Conference was held at the Prime Minister's residence on 25 September 1998. The Prime Minister Mr. Obuchi, Labour Minister, International Trade and Industry Minister and Cabinet Chief Secretary, as well as the top leaders of RENGO and Nikkeiren attended the meeting. Mr. Obuchi stated that Government should give the highest priority to employment and that the meeting should be the first step as a tripartite action. The meeting as a whole confirmed that all the three parties should cooperate to overcome the employment situation.

Boycott of New Otani hotels continues (25 September 1998)

The Federal Administrative Judge dismissed an appeal of the Los Angels National Labour Relations Board to reinstate three dismissed workers of the New Otani Hotel Los Angels for their trade union activities with the judgement that there was not sufficient evidence to prove an unfair labour practice. However, RENGO and all its affiliates will continue not to use any unorganized New Otani hotel across the nation and the world, until the New Otani Management change its hostile attitude toward trade unions and it restarts a dialogue with the union.

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