Photo: President Okuda of NIKKEIREN (middle right) "We want to transform Japan's Economy into a 'self-confident economy,'" October 21, Palace Hotel, Tokyo.

On October 21, RENGO held a conference with NIKKEIREN (the Japanese Federation of Employers' Associations) for the first time since RENGO's regular biennial convention. President Washio, Deputy President Enomoto, nine vice presidents, RENGO Secretary General Sasamori actively exchanged opinions with President Okuda, nine vice presidents and policymakers from NIKKEIREN. Topics included additional economy-stimulating measures focusing on job creation and employment measures, a declaration of employment stabilization, medical care reform, and environmental issues. On October 22, RENGO and NIKKEIREN jointly announced "Declaration of Employment Stabilization." (noted separately)

Japan's employment situation is continuing its "worst record since the war," with the total number of unemployed reaching 3.2 million, including a sudden rise of 1.04 million who were involuntarily unemployed. Mounting fears over unemployment have already resulted in social unrest creating a vicious cycle of sluggish consumption and a sluggish economy. Maintaining and stabilizing employment while creating jobs has now become an issue of national emergency.
RENGO and NIKKEIREN (the Japanese Federation of Employers' Associations), based on the understanding that both labor and management should devote their full efforts to break down those situations, endorsed the position that each would discharge their social duties toward the stabilization and creation of employment.
Industries/businesses are being demanded to reform their structures in the on-going globalization of economy and society. Casual employment adjustment should be restrained. Employment security should be the first consideration, even at the risk of over-employment, and we must strive to fulfill management's social responsibilities such as optimizing over-employment in new businesses, reducing overtime work, etc. When compelled by absolute necessity to reduce employment, due consideration of the influence on related businesses, regional economies and so forth is necessary, along with efforts to keep reductions at a minimum.
Labor unions join forces regarding the enforcement of managerial platform issues such as improving productivity and reducing costs for the healthy industry and business expansion and employment stability based on sufficient discussion.
To end the misallocation of employment, it is crucial to utilize the right person for the right job beyond the bounds of companies. It is also necessary to establish the portability of company pension and moreover a social skill evaluation system, by making use of the government measures for the enrichment of labor mobilization support and skill development. Labor and management are working hard to realize the above.
The government must also strengthen measures to create a climate to promote job creation. RENGO and NIKKEIREN are move forward on the fundamental precept that both parties have already endorsed, to realize the goal of job creation through labor-management meetings in each industry and the exchange of opinions between labor/management organizations at each prefecture.

October 22, 1999
The Japanese Federation of Employers' Associations (NIKKEIREN)
The Japanese Trade Union Confederation (RENGO)

Photo: HW Minister Niwa, receiving the formal request.

RENGO took action for its request to move beyond the current Medical Care/Medical Care System Reform stalemate. On October 21, RENGO Secretary General Sasamori teamed with KENPOREN (National Federation of Health Insurance Societies) and NIKKEIREN (the Japanese Federation of Employers' Associations) to visit Health and Welfare Minister Niwa and submit their request. These three organizations have also been requesting that the three ruling parties take action on this matter.