Labor’s Claims Accepted!
 “Take the Broadest Approach to Politics in the Future”
Urgent Debriefing on ILO’s Public Service Legislation Reform Recommendations
(22 November 2002)

Vice President Maruyama appeals for the need to strengthen political movements.
Vice President Maruyama appeals for the need to strengthen political movements.
On November 21, the ILO’s Committee on Freedom of Association adopted a report with recommendations that RENGO and the RENGO Public Sector Liaison Council had presented to the committee regarding the Japanese government’s reform of the public service legislation. Prior to this on the night of the 20th, RENGO and the Liaison Council held an urgent debriefing at RENGO headquarters. RENGO and the Liaison Council explained to those in attendance the contents of the committee’s recommendations as they had already been compiled and released on the ILO’s homepage on November 15. The report accepted labor’s claims and recommended that “the (Japanese) Government should reconsider its stated intention to maintain the current restrictions on the fundamental labour rights of public employees.”
The next day on November 21, RENGO released a statement by the General Secretary, in which RENGO called the ILO recommendation ‘an accomplishment realized through the activities of domestic and international cooperation.’ RENGO is strongly demanding that the Japanese government follow these recommendations and conduct reforms based on the ILO Convention. At the same time, RENGO is demanding that the government start immediate negotiations with labor unions for reforms that will grant basic labor rights to public employees.

RENGO General Secretary Kusano expressed gratitude for the 10-million signature drive and the joint appeal by international organizations, which were vital to their success. He continued, saying, “this does not mean everything has been solved. We cannot let go of this matter in the future and must continue to fortify our foundation.”
RENGO Public Sector Liaison Council Representative (and Vice President) Maruyama declared that the recommendation, “gives us an advantage and we appreciate it for providing us with good armament, however, it has no sanctions.” He continued, emphasizing the necessity of fortifying RENGO political movements saying, “we should take the broadest possible approach to politics.”
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