On December 12, RENGO (Japanese Trade Union Confederation) held a meeting with the Keizai Doyukai (Japan Association of Corporate Executives) in Tokyo to exchange opinions on the theme of “creating a virtuous cycle of sustainable growth and continuous wage increases under constraints on labour supply, and achieving the well-being of workers.”

At the beginning of the meeting, RENGO President Tomoko Yoshino said regarding the 2025 Spring Labour–Management Negotiations, “I hope that both sides will stand on common ground and that there will be sincere discussions between labour and management to put the recent trend of wage increases on a steady course.”

Regarding the future of the social insurance system, she also said, “I would like to have an open exchange of opinions with the aim of achieving reform that is responsive to change while ensuring that no one is left behind.”

The Chairman of Keizai Doyukai, Takeshi Niinami, stated, “It is important to establish wage increases that exceed price rises and foster a sense of security among the public that incomes will continue to grow in the future.” He further emphasized, “Improving not only real wages but also disposable income is essential. To achieve this, a fundamental reform of the social security system is necessary.” In his address, he expressed his desire to “discuss the core issues necessary for creating a virtuous cycle of sustainable growth and continuous wage increases, as well as realizing the well-being of workers.

Following the initial addresses, RENGO’s General Secretary Hideyuki Shimizu presented on “RENGO’s Initiatives for Expanding Protections for Freelancers,” while Deputy Chairperson Yuo Kikuchi of Keizai Doyukai delivered a report titled “Pension System Reform.” After these presentations, participants engaged in lively discussions on various topics, including fostering a virtuous economic cycle through wage increases that outpace inflation, the importance of union organization, promoting the contributions of diverse human resources, enhancing productivity, and the future of the social security system.

In her closing remarks, RENGO President Tomoko Yoshino reflected on the discussions and commented on the future of the social insurance system. She noted, “We have reaffirmed that RENGO and Keizai Doyukai share the same direction, particularly regarding the abolition of the Category 3 insured person system. When revising the system, it is essential to ensure comprehensive support measures for the overall social security system, including enhanced welfare services. I look forward to continued collaboration and cooperation.”

Chairperson Takeshi Niinami stated, “We must change the economy so that managers can work together with workers to increase productivity, raise wages, and strengthen our national power. Regarding the social insurance system, we have confirmed that both sides agree that the abolition of the Category 3 insured person system, which distorts women’s motivation to work, requires careful transition measures and consideration for the child-rearing generation.”

Keizai Doyukai is one of Japan’s leading private economic organizations, established in 1946. It consists of corporate executives and business leaders participating in an individual capacity, engaging in policy proposals and activities aimed at addressing societal issues. Maintaining independence from political and administrative institutions, Keizai Doyukai is characterized by its commitment to economic development and the sustainability of society through a wide range of proposals and research.

As a group of executives participating as individuals, the organization is not bound by corporate or industry interests, and it is understood to have the advantage of being able to make policy proposals from a neutral, long-term perspective. However, while the quality of the proposals is high, some have pointed out that its actual impact on politics and government is limited.

RENGO holds regular discussions not only with Keizai Doyukai but also with other economic organizations, such as Keidanren (Japan Business Federation) and Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry. In today’s context, as Japan begins to emerge from three decades of economic stagnation, it is vital for labour and management to work together and push each other toward greater progress for the sustainable development of the economy and society.

Building on these labour–management consultations, the importance of advancing trilateral dialogues involving government, labour, and management cannot be overstated.

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