The Northwest times. [volume] (Seattle, Wash.) 1947-1955, 1947-05-23
Keeping Up
with
The Times
By HIDEO HOSHIDE
LABOR ORGANIZATION
IN JAPAN
AMONG THE BASIC

AMONG THE BASIC
...policies for the occupation of
Japan, as stated in the directive
of September %, l945. is that re-
lating TO labor. In this directive
it is pointed out that democratic
organization in labor, industry and
agriculture shall be encouraged.
The revival of nearly extinct la
Dor group organization in Japan
by General MarArthur's staff, and
patterned after union movemnts,
can become an important means by
which the japanese people can ex-
ercise their labor rights and i'm
prove their standard of living.
A survey of post-surrender Ia
Dor situation in Japan was fea-
tured in Tuesdays University of
Washington Daily. The article,
Labor in Japan. was written by
Guttorm Gregersen.
In the first IL months following
thee surrender of Japan, the ar
ticle states, about million workers
Joined labor unions This tremen-
dous growth in union membership,
coupled with the lack of trained
leaders, produced a confusion. Out
of this confusion, two labor or
CARNATIONS rose to National Con-
gress of Industrial Unions.
The Japanese Federation of La
Dor grew largely from a union of
pre-war labor groups. At its ma
tional convention the federation
brought out three-plank platform
of better working conditions. tech
biological improvement in industry
and industrial democracy. These
are wide, all-inclusive ideals which
lack special aims and plans.
1.-The other chief unit which re-
veloped from the labor movement
was the National Congress of In
dustrial Unions. This group was
united largely by communist or
ganizers. At its convention the
GU stressed its political indepen-
dence and accepted an 11-point
program including a 40-hour week
a far-reaching social insurance sys-
tenn and rehabilitation of the Geo.
nomy.
"A third federation recently was
formed, the all-Japanese council Of
unions. This was an attempt tt
bring together all independent OF
non-affiliated unions. This grour
together put out program which
includes unification OF the. labol
movement, characterization of in.
dustry, autonomy in union admin
istration and elimination of inter
ference by political parties in tn,
trade union movement"
THE LACK
...of trained leaders is the chic
drawback of the Japanese labo
movement. The articles points ou
that company officials are oftel
found to be prominent members o
labor unions. Some unions hav,
even accepted financial aid from
their employers. Also, because o
initiation. it has peen hard for ma
ny unions to derive adequate fl
nancial support from their mem
bers.
In collective bargaining ant
agreements, the lack of educate,
leaders and lack of experience
again has hindered union activity
Many unions are now opertin
without written agreements. Whel
disputes arises they often are set
tied in an informal manner"
The article goes on. to state tina
labor disputes, which one nigh
imagine to be numerous and expen
sive during period of such hug
advances by labor, have bee
fewer than could be expected. TIL
stoppaeges usually have been c
short duration with very few reall
significant Interruptions in pro
duction.
The present wage policy show
discrimination. particularly agains
women workers Sex age, MARTA
status and length of service de
termines the size of the Japanes
workers pay check"
In summarizing. the author c
the article stated:
ANY success which japan MA
hope to see in solving her preser
economic problem and rebuilding
stable economy Will depend to
large extent in the use which sh
makes of her LABOR supply. Care
full planning will be necessary
result in the highest productio
possible with the shortage in ms
D.,