The Labor Situation in Japan 2001/2002
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The Japan Institute of Labour The Japan Institute of Labour (JIL) is engaged in the comprehensive research and study of labor problems, collecting and classifying information and data both domesti- cally and internationally, and publicizing them. Another important role of JIL is to inform labor, management and the general public in order to deepen understanding and knowledge of labor problems (Article 1, the Japan Institute of Labour Law). 1. Comprehensive Research and Study on Labor Issues Amid rapid changes in industry and the employment structure in recent years and drastic development of the international community, such as the end of the Cold War, labor issues are becoming increasingly complicated and diversified. In order to cope with such changes, the JIL carries out comprehensive research and study from mid- and long-term perspectives. (1) Research and study for the purpose of providing foundations for assessing, analyzing, and planning of labor policies. (2) Research and study for supporting workers’ efforts to find an appropriate job. (3) Research and study for providing foundations for forming mutual understanding between labor and management. 2. Collection and Provision of Information on Labor Issues The Institute provides you with various types of labor-related information, systematically collected in Japan and overseas, through the Internet, newspapers, books, videos and other media. (1) Provision of information via the Internet (2) Operation of an open center of specialized books and materials (3) Issuance of various publications 3. International Exchanges that Promote Understanding of Labor Issues With progress in international cooperation and the rapid globalization of economies, it is increasingly vital that international mutual understanding be further enhanced. To this end, the JIL conducts surveys on labor issues in respective countries, sponsors seminars and lectures, invites those engaged in labor affairs from abroad. The JIL also introduces the Japanese situa- tion to foreign audiences concerned with labor issues. The Labor Situation in Japan 2001/2002 The Japan Institute of Labour Contents Chapter I The Economy, Industries, and Corporations .......................................................................... 2 1 The Japanese Economy: Current Situation and Outlook for the Future .................................................... 2 2 Japanese Management Systems ............................................................................................................... 6 Chapter II The Labor Markets .................................................................................................................... 8 1 Population ................................................................................................................................................ 8 2 Labor Force ............................................................................................................................................ 11 3 Changes in Employment Structures ........................................................................................................ 13 4 Diversification of the Employment Structure .......................................................................................... 15 5 Employment Trends and Changes in the Employment Structure ............................................................ 17 Chapter III Human Resource Management ........................................................................................... 20 1 The Long-term Employment System ....................................................................................................... 20 2 Recruitment ............................................................................................................................................ 24 3 Assignments and Transfers ..................................................................................................................... 27 4 Wage System ......................................................................................................................................... 29 5 Payment System ..................................................................................................................................... 31 6 Company Benefits .................................................................................................................................. 34 7 Career Development through In-house Training and Education ............................................................. 37 8 Mandatory Retirement System ............................................................................................................... 41 Chapter IV Labor Relations ....................................................................................................................... 44 1 Labor Unions .......................................................................................................................................... 44 2 Union Organization ................................................................................................................................ 48 3 Characteristics of Enterprise Unions ....................................................................................................... 50 4 Structure and Function of Enterprise Unions .......................................................................................... 53 5 Collective Bargaining and Labor-Management Consultation System ..................................................... 59 6 Shunto: Spring Wage Offensive ............................................................................................................. 63 Chapter V Labor Laws and Labor Administrations ............................................................................... 66 1 Employment Measures ........................................................................................................................... 66 2 Policies Designated to Secure Employment for Older and Disabled Workers .......................................... 70 3 Public Job Introduction System ............................................................................................................... 75 4 Measures to Shorten Working Hours ..................................................................................................... 77 5 The Minimum Wage System .................................................................................................................. 79 6 Industrial Safety and Health .................................................................................................................... 81 7 Gender Equal Employment Policies ........................................................................................................ 84 8 The Child Care and Family Care Leave ................................................................................................... 85 9 Public Vocational Training Policies ........................................................................................................... 88 10 The System of Labor Relations Commissions .......................................................................................... 92 Chapter VI Social Security Systems ........................................................................................................... 94 1 Medical System ...................................................................................................................................... 94 2 The Pension System ................................................................................................................................ 98 ii The Labor Situation in Japan 2001 Contents for Tables and Figures Chapter I I-1 Real GDP Growth and the Unemployment Rate ................................................................................ 3 I-2 Labor Force Statistics .......................................................................................................................... 4 I-3 The Unemployed and the Unemployment Rate ................................................................................. 4 I-4 Changes in Real GDP, Number of Workers, and Real Wage Rates in the Advanced Nations .............. 5 I-5 Objectives and Reasons for Establishing an Affiliate within Japan ...................................................... 7 I-6 Personnel Adjustment Status by Industry ........................................................................................... 7 Chapter II II-1 Current Situation of the Total Population and Population Increase Ratio and Future Population Projections: 1940–2050 ........................................................................................ 8 II-2 Changes in Population Pyramids: Medium Population Growth .......................................................... 9 II-3 Changes in Registered Alien Population by Nationality .................................................................... 10 II-4 Labor Force Population .................................................................................................................... 12 II-5 Changes in the Labor Force ............................................................................................................. 12 II-6 Changes in the Labor Force by Age Group ...................................................................................... 12 II-7 Changes in the Labor Force Participation Ratio by Sex and Age: 1960–2000 .................................