News

UNI Commerce Solidarity Message

Solidarity Support for AOKI Group Union

The AOKI Group Union, which is a member of UNI affiliate UI ZENSEN, is faced with unfair union busting by the AOKI Holdings Inc. and AOKI Inc. management.



AOKI management forces union members to leave their union, threatening workers that if they do not leave they will be transferred. AOKI management refuses to bargain with the union and refuses to join an initiative to peacefully resolve the conflict.



The AOKI management’s unfair practices are a serious violation of workers’ rights in Japan and if successful they threaten all retail workers in Asia and the rest of the world who have won recognition and collective bargaining.



The 2,200 participants at the 3rd UNI Global Union Congress in Nagasaki call on AOKI to

· Immediately stop all unfair labour practices and intimidations against AOKI workers and members of the AOKI Group Union;

· Restore respect for AOKI workers and their right to organise;

· Demand Management enter into serious collective negotiations with the union and to conclude a Collective Labour Agreement which duly recognises AOKI Group Union as the workers respresentative.



AOKI Inc. is a national chain retail company which operates 416 men’s wear shops in Japan and employs around 4,500 workers.



AOKI Group Union represents 1,650 workers in the AOKI Holdings Inc. and AOKI Inc.