University of California Press Politics of Labor Legislation in Japan: National-International Interaction

The Politics of Labor Legislation in Japan: National-International Interaction examines the significant interplay between domestic labor politics in Japan and international labor standards as mediated by the International Labor Organization (ILO) during a pivotal period from 1957 to 1966. This period was marked by Japanese unions' appeal to the ILO, alleging violations of labor rights, particularly concerning union membership eligibility and police interference in union activities. These issues arose against the backdrop of Japan's reluctance to ratify ILO Convention 87 on freedom of association, despite mounting pressures from both domestic labor groups and international bodies like the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions. The book explores how these tensions escalated, eventually involving the ILO's supervisory mechanisms, including a Fact-Finding and Conciliation Commission, which played a critical role in the eventual compromise and ratification of the convention by Japan. This study highlights how Japan's labor struggles became a case study in "national-international linkage politics," where domestic and international actors interact to shape political outcomes. The book investigates the dynamics of this interaction, exploring why Japan chose to engage with the ILO, the unions' expectations from this involvement, and the responsiveness of the ILO to their complaints. By analyzing the intricate procedures and pressures exerted by the ILO, the book sheds light on the broader implications of international labor governance and its impact on domestic policies. It also underscores the challenges and opportunities of leveraging international organizations to address domestic issues, offering valuable insights for scholars of labor relations, comparative politics, and international diplomacy. This title is part of UC Press's Voices Revived program, which commemorates University of California Press’s mission to seek out and cultivate the brightest minds and give them voice, reach, and impact. Drawing on a backlist dating to 1893, Voices Revived makes high-quality, peer-reviewed scholarship accessible once again using print-on-demand technology. This title was originally published in 1973.