Prime Minister Shinzo Abe attended the fourth Government-Labor-Management Meeting for Realizing a Positive Cycle of the Economy in 2014 at the Prime Minister’s Office.

At the meeting, a discussion was held on Government-labor-management initiatives for maintaining a positive cycle of the economy.

The Prime Minister said in his opening address,

“I would like to request all members of the business community to exert your full efforts in regard to the rise in wages next spring. I request you to carry out measures in accordance with today’s agreements. I would like the flow of the wage rises to continue next year and the following year, so that the benefits of Abenomics will be felt to its full extent throughout Japan.
To that end, especially in regard to companies that have achieved high profits as a result of the advantages of the low yen, in addition to wage rises and capital investment, I would like to request them to also show consideration in regard to the prices paid to subcontractor companies.
I believe that it is highly significant that in this case the business community has agreed to implement comprehensive measures such as price increases, in consideration of the rise in the prices of purchases by trading companies. 
In regard to wage systems, I put forward a review proposal that emphasizes the contents of a person’s work and the degree of contributions made, and would also increase the distribution to the child-rearing generation. 
I would like labor-management to have thoroughgoing discussions to ensure a wage system in which there are no handicaps for irregular workers who would like to become regular workers, or those who take child-rearing leave.
 
In regard to reforms in the style of working and taking breaks, I believe that there should be various styles of working that facilitate the expression of individual creativity. I would like us to hold discussions on styles of working that enrich people’s time, in accordance with their particular work and region, and to realize a sound work-life balance.

The Government will support regional SMEs that serve as the employment base that provides highly experienced senior members of large companies with the opportunity to also perform in the regions, with the assistance of the private sector.
I am grateful that, amidst diverse positions and opinions, agreement from a broad perspective has been reached for Government-labor-management measures.
I have promised to the people that economic recovery will be fully experienced throughout Japan, by strongly continuing to keep this positive cycle in motion. To that end, it is vital that the agreements reached today are implemented among the Government, labor, and management, and I would like to ask for your continued kind cooperation.”