Japan – what can we learn? - Construction Labour Research

that unions can bring many positive benefits and expect unions toengage in many activities. Moreover, 13.2 percent of non-unionisedworkers are willing to join labour unions (would like to join at 3.2%and would consider joining at 10.2%). Examined by employment type,13.4 percent of regular employees and over 20 percent (22.4%) ofcontract and dispatched workers are willing to join. About 10 percent(9.7%) of part-time and casual workers are also willing to join.Significantly, nearly one-third of those who believe labour unions areabsolutely necessary want to join a union.Perhaps, these three examples only amount to a very modest first stepand a potential that is only latent. However, only by taking the firstsmall step forward and fulfilling such latent potential will unions beable to change the status quo. What is demanded from labour unionsnow is a leadership that seeks out an opportunity for futuredevelopment in the midst of a crisis. That opportunity is manifestingitself; it can be found in the desire for security and stability ofvocational life amidst the upheaval that exists in corporate society.The Japanese trade unions need devote their entire energy to buildinga participatory industrial society, which must be the essentialrequirement to realise what workers want in their working lives.CLR News No 2/200664