Arab News Japan

TOKYO: Members of Japanese trade unions gathered in front of the landmark Sun Plaza building in Tokyo’s Nakano district, where wage negotiations were taking place between unions, the Keidanren business organization and representatives of the Ministry of Labor.

Unions are demanding an increase in the minimum hourly wage to 1,500 yen (about $11 at the current exchange rate) to compensate for inflationary price rises that have seen workers struggling to make ends meet.

A trade unionist from the Zenroren union told Arab News Japan that a general increase throughout the country is necessary because the minimum wage is not at the same level across the country. While Tokyo’s is higher, it is still not regarded as enough to compensate for the price rises of everyday consumer products.

A 35-year-old man described his difficulties supporting himself, and his salary had not increased.

Hundreds of workers unfurled a banner with “1,500 yen” written on it outside the building. Other placards mentioned the wage disparity between men and women compared to other OECD countries and the increase in energy prices, which rose more than 15 percent in a year. The price of onions, which more than doubled, was also mentioned.

During the last election campaign, which ended in July, several political parties, including the Communist Party and the Reiwa Party, demanded a reduction in the consumption tax to 5 percent or its cancellation to help people with the cost of living.