JCP proposes real measures for far-reaching solution to unemployment problems

As rising unemployment poses a serious social and political problem, the
Japanese Communist Party has proposed a far-reaching solution to
unemployment-related problems.

The proposal calls for no job losses, a real job creation initiative, and
substantial improvement of public assistance to the unemployed.

At a news conference on August 30, Secretariat head Shii Kazuo criticized
Prime Minister Koizumi Jun'ichiro for claiming that the people will have to
endure the burden of "reforms" and that an increase in unemployment is
unavoidable.

"(Prime Minister Koizumi's) cheap tricks in dealing with the problem
won't work. A real effort to help create jobs is exactly what politics must
create," Shii said.

Referring to the recently announced corporate "restructuring" plans which
will cut hundreds of thousands of jobs, Shii said: "This represents a
complete lack of social responsibility which may well be described as a
moral hazard. This is a consequence of policies that encourage personnel
reductions. The present 'Industrial Revitalization Law' and other measures
that encourage corporations to push ahead with restructuring must be
repealed."

As a way to create jobs, Shii said "work sharing" coupled with a
shortened workweek without pay cuts should be put into practice. He also
called for the elimination of unpaid overtime work and regulations of
overtime work hours. For small- and medium-sized businesses, appropriate
assistance should be established, he added.

On the safety net for the unemployed, Shii stressed the need to extend
the duration of unemployment benefit payments, which is currently 11 months.
(end)