ABSTRACT

Trade unions in Japan have been losing power not only in society at large but also in firms for two main reasons. One is the decline in union density which is down to 24 per cent in 1995. The other main reason is the opposing alignment of the parties with which the unions are linked. The Social Democratic Party of Japan, supported by former Sohyo-affiliated unions, is a member of the ruling coalition, while the New Frontier Party, with which the former Domei-affiliated unions are associated, is a non-government party. This means that trade unions have difficulties in integrating their political efforts to secure legislative changes to improve socio-political systems.