Japan's Manufacturers' Union Aims for $77 Increase in Monthly Base Pay Next Year
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Nov 26 2025
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Source: Reuters
Labour Union Wage Demands: The Japan Council of Metalworkers' Unions (JCM) is seeking a monthly base pay increase of at least 12,000 yen ($77) for next year, maintaining the same target as this year.
Significance of Base Pay Increase: This increase is essential for Japan's goal of achieving sustainable wage growth that outpaces inflation, as it excludes seniority-based annual hikes.
Rengo's Overall Wage Goals: Japan's largest labour union group, Rengo, aims for a total wage increase of at least 5% in 2026, which includes a base pay rise of at least 3%.
Recent Wage Trends: Member unions of Rengo achieved an average pay rise of 5.25% this year, marking the largest increase in 34 years.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
