Non-Regular Workers in Tokyo Stage Walkouts Demanding Higher Wages

Non-regular workers in Tokyo are taking a stand by participating in strikes at various companies, seeking higher wages amidst a backdrop of rising living costs. These workers, represented by a labor union, are focused on walkouts at 15 companies scheduled towards the end of March, indicating a growing movement to address financial challenges faced by non-regular employees. Through the efforts of the executive committee of non-regular workers' "shunto," approximately 500 workers are prepared to strike, highlighting a collaborative approach to negotiating for better wages.

Kotaro Aoki, co-chair of the General Support Union that organized the executive committee, emphasized the importance of collective action, encouraging workers to engage in negotiations with their companies to drive the momentum for wage increases. The goal is to empower more individuals to join the movement, amplifying the impact of these demands for fair compensation. Notable companies where walkouts have taken place include Sushiro, a popular conveyor-belt sushi chain, and Gaba, an English language school, reflecting the diversity of industries affected by these labor actions.

In a show of solidarity, a Canadian worker highlighted the financial strain caused by escalating prices, stressing the essential nature of wage hikes to address the challenges of making ends meet and affording basic needs. This unified effort by non-regular workers is not new, as similar demands were made last year after negotiations with multiple companies failed to yield satisfactory outcomes. The current wave of strikes aims to garner support from a wider spectrum of industries, ranging from retail to manufacturing, with demands for wage increases of 10 percent or more, symbolizing a growing movement towards fair compensation for non-regular workers.