Japanese Trade Union Confederation (RENGO)

Open Debate on the Spring Struggle for a Better Life “Symposium on Labour-Management Talks for 2006” Held

General Secretary Koga argued that “as pointed out by a recent report of the Keidanren Committee on Management and Labour Policy, the recovery of corporate performance over the past several years can be attributed to the strenuous effort of ordinary people. We should recognize this fact and correct the distortion of labour’s share. We hope to reach an agreement through labour-management talks to allow workers to balance working and family life, and to increase disposable incomes.”

Keidanren Managing Director Yano responded: “peaceful industrial relations are brought about when labour and management are on an equal footing, have mutual trust, and hold prior consultations. We encourage trade unions to speak out frankly and squarely to management.”

Professor Tachibanaki pointed out that “the revitalization of business is a major prerequisite for turning the Japanese economy around, and then labour and management should consider how they can achieve a fair share for labour. Management does not touch on the fair share of labour at all in the Nippon Keidanren report, and they need to address this issue earnestly.”