News

Addressing the Japan Automobile Workers Union (JAW) Convention in Tokyo, UNI Global Union General Secretary, Philip Jennings, referring to the Japanese prime minister Abe's recent incarnation as Super Mario at the closing ceremony of the Rio Olympics, likened JAW President Aihara to Ishikawa Goemon, the Japanese equivalent of Robin Hood.

“In Japan and in the world, the rise of income inequality and acute poverty means we need more Robin Hoods,” said Jennings.

He said he had been struck by the rise of income inequality and acute poverty in Japan.

“We do not equate these levels of poverty with Japan but in fact there are two million Japanese living below the poverty line. Abenomics has proved that a trickle down economy does not work. Economies pay a high price when unions and collective bargaining are weak,” he said.

Jennings referred to the bold moves being made by JAW to reform the production value chain which currently divides, exploits, and keeps people locked in poor jobs. He praised JAW’s “Win-Win best circulation of values in value chains” campaign which seeks to create a fairer more just automobile supply chain. (See Wi n-Win Graphic in related files)

Jennings said, "We are committed to its inclusion on the 2017 G20 agenda. We look to JAW for leadership here and worldwide.”

Jennings also pointed out that JAW was right to act on the impact of the digital revolution on the Future World of Work in the automobile sector and ensure that workers benefited from it rather than suffered its consequences. Unions have a vital role to play, he explained.

“Strong unions and collective bargaining are the only way to ensure that value and profits generated in the supply chain touch both regular and non-regular workers.”

He also welcomed JAW’s commitment to gender equality and the renewed international push for a more just world for working people.

“We have fought for a new Global Deal. We have a Paris Climate Change agreement and the UN Sustainable Development Goals’ target for decent work, the elimination of child labour, and the eradication of extreme poverty.  We have agreements on business to respect human rights and a global ILO path to improve supply chains.

“A new world built on hope can emerge in the face of aggressive capitalism, hate, racism and xenophobia – but none of this can be achieved unless we have strong unions at the table, from SMEs to the G20. My message to all Japanese companies is to respect rights everywhere, build partnerships through social dialogue and global framework agreements.”

Jennings also spoke about his visit earlier in the week to Korea, where the government is clamping down on trade union activists in a bid to crush the labour movement.

He referred specifically to an emotional visit to Bro. Han Sang—Kyun, KCTU President, at the Seoul Detention Centre. Bro. Han has been sentenced to five years’ imprisonment, despite his only “crime” being to stand up for workers’ rights. Jennings called for an immediate release for Bro. Han and asked JAW and its 750,000 members to get behind the growing international campaign to liberate Bro Han and his colleagues.

Finally, Jennings concluded his speech to the JAW convention by recognizing their commitment and perseverance.

“We never give up in our struggle for a better world - Keizoku wa Chikara nari.”