Rengo sets 6% as 2027 pay-demand centre and a ¥360,000 goal at 35; court voids post-leave transfer
Rengo proposes a 6%-centred demand for the 2027 shunto and a 2030 median pay goal of ¥360,000 at age 35. The Tokyo High Court voided a post-paternity-leave transfer, and a levy on disability-quota shortfalls may reach firms with about 80 staff.
Rengo's basic concept for the 2027 shunto sets the pay demand at around 6%, and at least 5%, including regular seniority raises. For the first time it adds a goal for 2030, assuming about 15% growth over four years: a median of ¥360,000 at age 35 and ¥340,000 at 30. The policy is due to be adopted in early December.
Why it matters: Rengo's number sets the tone for union demands next spring. Employers should model 5 to 6% against their 2027 budgets before December.
Rodo Shimbun reports that the Tokyo High Court upheld a ruling voiding a housing-equipment maker's move of a returning father from field sales to an inside role. It ended a fixed overtime allowance paid only to field staff, so it was disadvantageous treatment. The lost allowance plus ¥200,000 was ordered paid. A later routine April transfer was lawful.
Why it matters: Check that moving someone back from childcare leave does not cut their allowances. A routine annual reshuffle was accepted, but a move tied to the leave was not.
On 27 October the justice and health ministries took action under the Technical Intern Training Act against six organisations. Manpower Ltd Cooperative, a supervising body, lost its licence. Two other supervising bodies and two employers received improvement orders, and two employers had their training plan certifications revoked.
Why it matters: If you take interns through a cooperative, check its licence and the ministry's published sanctions list. Losing certification stops you from hosting interns.
At a Labour Policy Council subcommittee on 21 October, the health ministry showed an option to extend the levy on firms below the statutory disability employment rate to firms with roughly 80 to 100 employees. It also proposed a sufficient preparation period. Small-business groups objected, asking for a support system first.
Why it matters: Firms with 80 to 100 staff should count disabled employees now against the quota. A start date is still open, but the direction is clear.
The Kansai Economic Federation plans to gather and publish company cases of reskilling aimed at moving staff into new roles. It expects AI to leave clerical workers in surplus while digital and field roles stay short. It says most firms treat reskilling as training, with weak links to redeployment.
Why it matters: When you fund reskilling, tie it to named target roles. Expect clerical headcount questions to come up in 2027 planning.
Compiled each weekday morning with AI assistance from the reports linked under each story; summaries are ours, the reporting is theirs. Check the source before acting on anything here. Corrections: editor@hardestmarket.com.
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