6 days ago
Japan minimum wage could top 1,000 yen across country
A Japanese government panel has agreed to a record increase in the minimum wage. The hourly rate is likely to top 1,000 yen, or about 6.80 dollars, across the country.
A labor ministry panel on Monday met with representatives of labor and management. The panel recommended a minimum wage for each prefecture. They agreed to increases in the current fiscal year that bring the average hourly rate up by 63 yen to 1,118 yen, or about 7.60 dollars.
Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru said he would do his utmost to realize wage increases for the people, and show that this is the central pillar of growth strategies. Ishiba added the government will continue to implement all possible policies to raise wages.
The increase is larger than last fiscal year's, and exceeds 60 yen for the first time. This is the fourth fiscal year in a row that the increase has set a new record.
The government aims to increase the national average minimum wage to 1,500 yen, or about 10 dollars, by the end of fiscal 2029. That would mean a jump from the current level of at least 445 yen.
The minimums agreed to by the panel will be finalized after management and labor unions hold talks with advisory panels and prefectural labor bureaus.
