News

JPGU held its annual national congress on 20-22 August in Nagano where around 1500 postal workers from every corner of Japan gathered to discuss the future of postal services. One of the key topics of discussion was Japan Post's need to diversify its services into various new areas, such as retail business. One successful venture in that respect has been the conversion of the former Tokyo Central Post Office into mixed postal and retail space and regular updates on Japan's aging population using its letter carrier’s network.



The congress also discussed proposed changes to the Japan Post compensation system and working conditions of postal clerks, which are due for major reforms in the coming months as Japan Post prepares for restructuring under the current postal legislation.



UNI Post & Logistics Head of Department Stephen DeMatteo addressed the congress, urging JPGU to continue its fight for its members in face of the difficult challenges posed by the postal reforms. He encouraged the union to keep its fight to protect workers and to be a driving force for positive change in the Japanese postal service. DeMatteo offered a number of examples of how postal unions around the world have driven for innovative changes to keep the postal service relevant in a changing economy.



Delegates also voted for the union's new leadership, with Bro. Toshimichi Omata being elected to succeed Bro. Hiroshi Usuki as the new JPGU President.