Government-Labor Meeting before G8 Summit Demands on Sup. Budget for Jobs/Deflation (30 May 2003)

At the evening on May 27, a Government-Labor pre-G8 Summit meeting took place at the Prime Minister’s official residence. On hand at the meeting included Prime Minister Koizumi, Chief Cabinet Secretary Fukuda, Health, Labour and Welfare Minister Sakaguchi, Health, Labour and Welfare Ministry Director-General for Policy Planning and Evaluation Aoki, RENGO President Sasamori, Vice President Takagi, and General Secretary Kusano. In the meeting with government, RENGO President Sasamori demanded that the issues including acceleration of economic-stimulus measures and a shift in job policy through expanding the ‘safety-net’ be reflected in the discussions at the upcoming G8 summit on June 1-3. At the same time, Sasamori asked the government to compile a supplementary budget that drastically fortifies both employment and comprehensive deflationary measures. Prime Minister Koizumi stated that he “will deal with these issues and attend the summit with the demand contents in mind.” Following that, Sasamori pressed the government to let him talk about the civil servant system reform issue with Prime Minister Koizumi.

At the outset of the meeting, Sasamori reported on the details of the meeting between French President Jacques Chirac and trade union organization representatives from each of the G8 nations held in April at Paris, France, the host country of the Evian Summit. Sasamori introduced President Chirac’s remarks as follows:

[1] It is important that the G8 summit not be a closed forum but one where social partners are involved in the preparation of the meeting. [2] Humane globalization must be sought. [3] As the host country, France hopes that the Evian Summit is successful on five issues: a) growth, b) responsibility, c) solidarity, d) security and e) democracy. [4] Job growth is important, as are the issues of achieving increased ability to acquire new skills and guaranteeing the right to life-long learning. [5] Regaining confidence in our economic system is an urgent issue and measures to establish a responsible market are essential. [6] Human rights and trade union rights issues are also crucial as is complying with internationally established rules. [7] The trade union organizations joint statement is sound and sensible, and as we have reached a basic agreement, I plan to deliver it at the G8 meeting on your behalf.

Sasamori continued, explaining the following points of RENGO demands and asked that they be reflected in the summit discussions.

(1) Accelerate economic-stimulus measures through expanding consumption and revamping investment in the public sector. (2) Make a shift in employment policy by fortifying investment in human resources, correction of differentials, and expanding a 'safety-net.' (3) Pursue business's social responsibilities by strengthening conduct codes. (4) Promote sustainable development in developing countries by giving top priority to saving lives and respect for human rights. (5) Implement core labor standards in international trade and investments.

Moreover, Sasamori demanded that a supplementary budget be compiled that stressed drastic enhancement of employment/comprehensive deflationary measures. Prime Minister Koizumi responded saying, "I will deal with these issues and attend the summit with the demand contents in mind" and added that, "the Japanese economy is a significant international issue. I think it is important for Japan to grow." Sasamori then touched on civil servant system reform strongly urging that a forum be made where he could talk about this problem with Prime Minister Koizumi. Prime Minister responded affirmatively, agreeing that the two parties would talk in the future.

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