JTUC-RENGO Holds “Freelance Summit” in Tokyo, Addressing New Laws and Challenges for Freelancers
JTUC-RENGO held a “Freelance Summit” in Tokyo on November 30. This event coincided with the enactment of Japan’s “Freelance Law” and the extension of workers’ compensation insurance coverage earlier this month. Freelance workers and labor unions from across the country, along with some employers, government officials, and academic experts, participated in the summit. The International Labour Foundation and other related organizations supported the event.
The summit began with opening remarks by RENGO Secretary-General Hideyuki Shimizu, followed by discussions on three main topics: 1) the contents and challenges of the Freelance Law and workers’ compensation coverage; 2) issues surrounding “pseudo-freelancers” who are treated as independent contractors but are, in reality, subject to company control; and 3) the establishment of contracts and ensuring fair remuneration for work. Additionally, RENGO underscored its commitment to supporting these workers by launching new initiatives, including the “Freelance Support Club.”
During the discussions, the activities of the Musicians’ Union of Japan and the Amazon Delivery Workers Union were highlighted. From the United States, a representative from the Screen Actors Guild‐American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) participated online, sharing insights on building an organization with over 100,000 members and reporting on initiatives, including strikes.
According to government statistics, the number of freelance workers in Japan reached 4.62 million in 2020. Their main professions include writers, designers, interpreters and translators, delivery drivers, and illustrators. Approximately 70% of freelancers are male. The primary reasons cited for choosing freelance work include the desire to utilize their skills and the flexibility to work at convenient times.
However, freelance work presents several challenges. In Japan, cases of delayed or unpaid remuneration have been common. The Freelance Law aims to address these issues by ensuring fair transactions. Additionally, issues such as occupational injuries and harassment have been reported. To tackle these problems, workers’ compensation coverage has been extended, and the Industrial Safety and Health Act is expected to be revised in 2025.
In recent years, Japan has witnessed increasing diversification in work styles, with freelance work emerging as one of the most prominent examples. It is hoped that by leveraging new systems, the rights of freelance workers will be protected and their working conditions improved, with support from labor unions, employers, and related organizations.
<K.K>