Precarious Work and Challenges Facing Japanese Unionism

Abstract

Abstract This chapter compares strategies for organizing non-regular workers by two mainstream Japanese union confederations, Rengo and Zenroren, and their affiliated unions. Drawing insights from Hyman’s framework of representation (1997) that distinguishes between who (types of employees), what (objectives), and how (strategies), the chapter demonstrates how Japanese unionism has become increasingly more inclusive. However, three forms of dualism, that are manifested in the labour market, industrial relations, and union identities, have fragmented the labour movement and hindered unions’ ability to contest the prevalence of precarious work and to significantly raise its working conditions. The chapter concludes with the view that more concerted social action is needed to address precariousness.