Members of unions under the Rengo umbrella came together for a rally in Yoyogi Park, Tokyo, with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and leaders of opposition parties delivering speeches in support of the labor movement. Despite significant wage hikes, the labor movement in Japan is facing challenges, with union membership at a record low and decreased awareness of unions among younger workers.
Rengo President Tomoko Yoshino highlighted the positive trend of wage hikes achieved through the annual "shunto" spring labor offensive, emphasizing the need to sustain these improvements in working conditions. The declining membership, currently at a low of 16.3 percent according to a labor ministry estimate, is a far cry from the 55.8 percent rate in 1949 during the U.S.-led occupation period.
To attract new members and increase solidarity, unions are exploring various strategies, such as organizing seminars for networking and discussions on social issues with other unions. Efforts like providing quick information through apps for members, particularly in startup companies like Stmn Inc., and focusing on transparency and engagement with members are being implemented to rejuvenate union activities and attract freelance workers.
The evolving landscape of union activities reflects a shift towards inclusivity and accessibility, with initiatives like online consultations for freelance workers, transparent communication via apps, and efforts to engage members through regular updates. Rengo's comprehensive organization bureau is leading the charge in reshaping the image of unions to be more approachable and supportive for all workers, stressing the importance of solidarity and collective bargaining power in the labor movement.