In an effort to redress the differentials in working conditions of workers in micro enterprises, small to mid sized businesses and part-time workers etc, RENGO opened its "2001 Spring Struggle Forum to Correct Differentials" at a Tokyo hotel on the 14th. This year was the fourth time the Forum was held, approximately 200 participants from affiliated organizations and local RENGO gathered and actively exchanged opinions on the actual conditions to correct differentials and their activities.

Photo: Small to Mid-sized Unions Joint Struggle Center Rep Hattori, "Ensure Socially Responsible Wages" (14th, Tokyo)

Speaking on behalf of the organizers, RENGO Secretary General Sasamori raised the following issues, "since [this forum's] start in 1997, the gap in wages, bonuses, and welfare services has not disappeared but unfortunately has widened. We want to make this one of the main issues of the Spring Struggle."
Then, Small to Mid-sized Unions Joint Struggle Center Representative Hattori explained the current state of differentials, "the differential gap between major companies and small to mid-sized businesses has widened to approximately 100 to 75." Accordingly, "this year we will again set our minimum wage compromise standard at a line which we will stubbornly defend." He appealed to the crowd by saying on the necessity of ensuring socially responsible wages and strengthening the minimum wage movement, "let us all fight on with a common recognition of the minimum wage struggle."
Afterwards, there was a lecture by Stephanie Luce (Assistant Professor, University of Massachusetts, Amherst) entitled "Expansion of Adaptability for Living Wages and Actions for Organization in the United States."
Also, three industrial federations, or JAM (Japanese Association of Metal, Machinery and Manufacturing Workers), JOHO ROREN (Japan Federation of Telecommunications, Electronic Information and Allied Workers), and SHITETSU SOREN (General Federation of Private Railway and Bus Workers' Unions of Japan) reported on maintaining the wage curve.
In conclusion, the forum adopted the appeal "Bring out the 'high spirit' of 'here are the small to mid sized unions' and fight with all our might beginning from today."