Japan – what can we learn? - Construction Labour Research

Table I. Items Taken Up in Joint Consultation and Modalities of Treatment of Union Views 2004ItemModalities of treatment of union viewsCovered Management Management Prior UnionBy Unilaterally listens to consultation consentConsultation Reports union views required requiredor Explains[Management Policy]Basic business strategy 71,1 77,2 8,0 8,7 6,1Basic production and marketing plans 67,0 67,3 12,4 13,5 6,8Restructuring of company organization,Creation or abolition of company structures 66,0 64,9 12,1 17,2 5,8Introduction of new technologies, newEquipment, Rationalization of productionprocesses and Office work 53,1 48,3 19,1 23,4 9,2[Personnel Management]Hiring and positioning criteria 59,8 51,0 16,6 23,6 8,8Promotion and promotion criteria 65,5 41,3 18,9 26,0 13,8Job transfers, transfer to other firms 69,5 36,2 16,0 28,9 18,8Layoffs, personnel strength cuts Dismissals 72,7 14,6 4,0 53,0 28,4[Matters involving working conditions]Change in modality of work 88,3 15,0 7,1 49,7 28,2Working time, holidays, paid leave 92,6 13,1 5,9 51,3 29,6Workplace safety and health 88,2 14,8 12,3 60,0 12,9Retirement systems 78,1 20,9 4,6 43,3 31,2Wages and allowances 86,3 16,8 4,4 48,9 29,9Overtime premiums 78,6 17,5 4,1 48,1 30,3Severance pay and pension standards 80,1 20,5 4,5 48,5 26,5[Other matters]Educational and training programs 64,3 38,1 25,5 22,8 13,6Intra-firm welfare and other fringe benefits 87,4 20,7 15,3 47,2 16,9Cultural activities and physical training 69,9 22,7 16,8 45,1 15,5Child-rearing leave and leave for the care ofthe aged 81,3 19,0 6,9 47,3 26,8Source: Ministry of Labour(2005) "Survey on Communication between Labor and Management"CLR News No 2/200665