| RENGO Leads Struggle
for Secure Jobs, Living, World Peace 20,000 Strengthen Resolve at 3.1 Central Pep Rally (10 March 2003) |
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On March 1, RENGO held its “2003 Spring
Struggle: 3.1 Central Pep Rally for Securing People’s Living and
World Peace” at Meiji Park in Tokyo with approximately 21,500 people
in attendance. Attendees were seeking “policy changes that secure
employment and living standards” from the Koizumi government to rejuvenate
Japan from its current ‘state of crisis.’ Attendees also re-endorsed
that every union will thoroughly work on the Minimum Wage Movement (region/workplace-wide
elimination of wages below a certain level) at the 2003 Spring Struggle.
They steeled their collective resolve for the established peak period
of March 12 - 14. RENGO took the stance on the Iraq and North Korea problems,
that any kind of nuclear or weapons of mass destruction were unacceptable
and strongly appealed for peaceful resolutions through United Nation-led
international cooperation.
Regarding the ongoing Spring Struggle, he said, “the most important role for labor unions is to secure employment.” Then he stressed the importance of thorough work on the minimum wage movement including tasks that “maintain or secure wage curves,” “abolish unpaid overtime and restrain long working hours,” and “improve the treatment of part-time workers.” Further, he touched upon the issues of Iraq/North Korea, as well as bills under submission at the current Diet session, such as the emergency defense bill and personal information protection bill, which will greatly influence the future course of Japan. “We want the government to pursue discussions at the Diet for responses to the problem of using military force and issues that might lead to world war on a basic stance consistent with that of the UN Security Council resolutions and establish corresponding principles.” He was decisive in his declaration that “they say that the Japanese have forgotten anger. We must never forget it. Nor should we ever give up. We need to show anger when it is necessary and fight when need be.” He then closed by resolutely stating that “RENGO leads the Struggle for securing job, living standards, and world peace.” Representatives from the opposition parties were also in attendance at the rally. Democratic Party of Japan President Kan, Social Democratic Party Leader Doi, Liberal Party Secretary General Fujii, and Party for Independents Leader Tanabu each gave speeches of encouragement. Each criticized the Koizumi administration’s economic and foreign affairs policies and demonstrated a shared common understanding that “Japan’s economy and society will collapse if we leave matters to Koizumi government,” and each decisively stated that they want to bring down the current administration by means of an opposition party-led coalition. Following RENGO General Secretary Kusano’s struggle proposal, representatives from affiliated organizations and part-time workers declared their resolutions for the Spring Struggle peak period. A representative from SHITETSU SOREN (General Federation of Private Railway & Bus Workers’ Unions of Japan) said, “in the private sector there is a growing trend toward spin-offs into separate companies and both wage cuts and labor extensions are rampant. At this Spring Struggle, we will employ our demands for a base salary increase with the catch phrase of ‘let every person do at least one thing’ and let each of us try our best.” One JICHIRO (All-Japan Prefectural and Municipal Workers’ Union) representative said “the government’s Outline of Public Servant System Reform has many problems rendering it unable to establish a transparent and fair system. We would like to have support for joint activities in the public and private sectors, to seek a withdrawal of reform based on that Outline, and to establish a public servant system that is democratic.” A part time workers’ representative expressed the notion that “we appreciate that the rally is taking into consideration the problems of part-time workers as an issue for all unions. If equal treatment is realized, male workers will be liberated from long-hour labor and live life in a humane manner. Likewise, female workers will also have the benefit of receiving a wider range of work choices.” At the end of the rally, the following appeal: “Let’s Stand Together Now to Secure People’s Lives and World Peace” was adopted. After the rally, over 20,000 people participated in a demonstration march that proceeded in two directions; one that headed to Yotsuya and one to Yoyogi. Despite the cold rain, demonstrators vigorously marched in order to appeal for world peace as well as to overcome the crises facing employment and living standards. Meanwhile, a message regarding the Iraqi problem entitled “Still Time for Peace” from the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions (ICFTU) General Secretary Guy Ryder was received and introduced to those present at the rally. |
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