The global recession, which was triggered by the collapse of Lehman Brothers in September 2008, spread throughout the world very quickly. We painfully realized the extent to which our society, as well as our daily lives, had become globalized. In this age of globalization we are closely interrelated with each other and share the same challenges even if we may find ourselves under different political systems or at different stages of economic development. We need to address global issues with global solidarity.

Rengo, the national center of the Japanese labor movement, believes that the current crisis in the world economy marks the end of financial capitalism or the market principle that has ruled the world until recently. Now is the time, Rengo believes, to have a paradigm shift for the whole society and to start building a "labor-centric welfare society."

The global economic downturn has hit Japan hard as well. Since the fall of 2008 a large number of non-regular workers, particularly those under temporary employment, have lost their jobs in this country. The fear of losing one’s job is spreading even among full-time employees. An income gap was an issue for some years, but it has grown into a "poverty issue" that has a significant impact on the Japanese society. The same situation can be found in many other countries in the world. Global solidarity has never been more needed than today.

As set forth in its action policies for 2009 and 2010, JSD is committed to "creating a Decent Work-oriented society."

To attain this goal, we are carrying out a three-part initiative that comprises 1) ensuring equal and balanced treatment for workers, 2) promoting diversity at work in terms of sex, age, and employment patterns, and 3) achieving a balance between work and life. By so doing, we expect to improve productivity and win, as our fair share, better working conditions. We will also bring prosperity to the service and distributive industry. When we address these challenges, we do so from a global viewpoint by exchanging information with our colleagues around the world.

JSD is playing its part in the international labor movement through two approaches -- globally under the framework of Union Network International (UNI) and bilaterally through exchange programs with the respective unions in the United States, China, Australia, Vietnam, and Korea.

In November 2010 the 3rd UNI World Congress will be held in Nagasaki, Japan, under the theme of "Breaking Through." Some three hundred years ago, when Japan had its doors closed to foreign countries, Nagasaki remained open to the rest of the world. The city also has a sad history of being atomic-bombed during World War II. As a symbol of cultural diversity and peace, Nagasaki will surely provide an ideal venue for our brothers and sisters from around the world to meet, communicate, and strengthen solidarity.

As a UNI-affiliate in the host country, JSD is working hard to make the Nagasaki Congress a success by making all necessary preparations. I sincerely hope to see as many people as possible participating in it.

See you in Nagasaki in November 2010.

Shoichi Hachino
President,
Japan Federation of Service
and Distributive Workers Unions