--For a Secure and Fair Society--
RENGO 8th Regular Convention Held
(10 oct 2003)
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| Photo: President Sasamori says, člet us clear the path for Japanēs future and take a leading role in its revitalization.ī (10/2, Shinjuku) |
President Sasamori gave a speech on behalf of organizers. Reminiscing over the past two years of RENGO movements he said, “RENGO’s role is to achieve policies that favor the workers. We have been making an effort to get field-based answers, abolish conventional principles and cope with matters honestly even if only to progress just a half or single step.” Further, he continued saying “it is no longer acceptable in present day Japan to leave things said or done half finished.” He added that, “this is no time for criticizing politics and management” emphasizing the need for strengthening close cooperation among government, labor and management.
Sasamori then touched upon RENGO’s eight major issues explaining the principle ideas of each. They are (1) the resolution of employment problems, (2) the enforcement and expansion of organizations, (3) the improvement of and support for small to mid-sized businesses labor movements, (4) the realization of equal treatment, (5) the departure from company unions, (6) the realization of policies and systems that RENGO is seeking, (7) the improvement of the Spring Struggle, and (8) to work on politics and elections.
Sasamori again expressed his commitment on employment issues by saying “under the slogan ‘No More Unemployed! Jobs for People Who Want to Work!’ we will continue to work all-out risking our very existence as a labor union.”
Regarding policies and systems, he focused on the pension activities saying “we will propose sweeping reforms bundling together taxes with social insurance and put our all effort into it in order to lead a national debate.”
Regarding the issue of “departure from company unions” pointed out by the Evaluatory Committee President Sasamori said “it will be difficult for progress on labor movement front without departing from the framework and overcoming the limits of being a company union.” He stressed that labor unions should open their doors not only to regular employees but also a wider range of workers and stand up for common interests of workers.
He also referred to the upcoming general election by saying “the chance for a regime change appears to finally be becoming a reality thanks to formation of a new Democratic Party of Japan.” Declaring his resolution he said “in order to build a new administrative framework with the Democratic Party of Japan as a focal point, RENGO will work with all of its might on the election in cooperation with the Social Democratic Party.”
In conclusion, he ended by sending a message to his fellow workers saying “in any era nothing is stronger than people’s minds and might. Let’s take the lead and become the engine that revives Japan.”
Some of the policies RENGO endorsed at this two-day Convention included “Fiscal Year 2004-2005 Action Policy,” “Revision of Political Direction,” and the “Selection of Officials.” A presidential election was held and President Kiyoshi Sasamori (Advisor to the Federation of Electric Power Related Industry Worker's Unions of Japan) was reelected as a RENGO President. On behalf of the new officials, Sasamori stood for a speech and called on the audience saying “pouring each and every one’s hearts and minds for power of big labor movement together let’s build a reliable RENGO that is trusted by and a source of support for workers.”
Meanwhile, many domestic and international VIP’s attended the 8th Convention in order to give speeches, including Health, Labour and Welfare Minister Chikara Sakaguchi, Democratic Party of Japan President Naoto Kan, Social Democratic Party Leader Takako Doi, Party for Independents House of Representatives member Koji Kakizawa, ICFTU General Secretary Guy Ryder, ICFTU-APRO General Secretary Noriyuki Suzuki, OECD-TUAC (OECD Trade Unions Advisory Committee) General Secretary John Evans, and ILO Office in Japan Director Mitsuko Horiuchi.
Convention Declaration >>
