Japan's largest union federation seeks 6% wage hike for 2027 spring talks

Briefing by News4U · First published 2026-10-22 09:55:51 UTC

Rengo will demand around 6% pay increases, with a 5% minimum, in 2027 shunto negotiations amid ongoing inflation.

Japan's largest labor union federation, Rengo, announced it will seek wage hikes of around 6 percent, with a minimum of 5 percent, in next spring's annual labor-management negotiations. [1] [2] [3]

The union achieved 5 percent or higher raises for three consecutive years through 2026 talks, but noted that few workers feel their living standards have improved despite positive real wages. [2]

Sources

1. Japan’s Top Labor Union Targets Big Pay Bump, in Line With BOJ Aims

   WSJ Business · 2026-10-22 07:25:00 UTC · Summary only

2. Japan's largest labor union to seek around 6% pay hike next spring

   Kyodo News Business · 2026-10-22 08:08:00 UTC · Full text

3. Japan’s biggest labor union federation calls for 6% wage hike in 2027

   The Japan Times · 2026-10-22 08:31:00 UTC · Summary only

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