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UNI Global Union today congratulated its Japanese members on the thrilling election victory of Japan’s Democratic Party of Japan over the Liberal Democrats who have ruled the country for 54 years.



The latest counts show the Democratic Party of Japan, supported by the trade unions, winning 308 seats out of 480 in the Lower House.



This is an historical milestone for Japan and UNI congratulates its colleagues for their tremendous work in the campaign. Japanese unions now have the opportunity to work with the government on a progressive political agenda that supports workers.



UNI will hold its World Congress in Nagasaki from November 9-12, 2010.



“The Congress’s theme is “Breaking Through,” and we could not have asked for a break through in Japanese policies as stunning as this,” said UNI General Secretary Philip Jennings. “The election results show that Japanese unions are certainly breaking through and are ready, willing and able to effect real political change.”



Rengo, the Japanese trade union confederation, is celebrating the election victory but says that with this success also comes responsibility. It says it will be deeply involved in the new government and will “ensure and contribute to the stable employment and steady economic recovery, which will bring peace, relief and safety to society.”



UNI will do everything it can to support the work by unions and the government to develop and implement worker-centred policies, Jennings said.



Jennings was in Japan up to the final days of the campaign and had several discussions with UNI affiliates and with the leadership of Rengo.



“Our affiliates put in a tremendous effort to support the DPJ campaign,” Jennings said. “As unemployment has just hit a post-war high, they look forward to working with the government to bring a new look to Japanese labour policy. We are working closely with the Japanese affiliates on the upcoming UNI Congress, which takes place in an historic city at a time of historic change in the country.”



In congratulating the DPJ, UNI is also looking forward to the new Prime Minister addressing its Congress next year.