Rengo, Japan’s largest union federation, adopted a basic vision for the 2027 shunto spring wage talks at a central executive committee meeting on October 22, 2026. It will basically encourage member unions to request pay rises of at least 5 percent.
Smaller unions get a higher target. Rengo will advise those with fewer than 300 members to request at least 6 percent, which reflects the persistent gap between large and small employers in recent rounds.
The federation is scheduled to formally approve the 2027 policy at a central committee meeting in early December.
Other unions are asking for more
UA Zensen, a labour group representing unions in textiles, distribution and other sectors, has put forward a draft calling for a 6 percent increase, including a 4 percent rise in the pay scale. Management will set out its own position through the Keidanren business federation’s guidelines, which are being drafted to call for recent wage momentum to take root across the economy.
For ongoing coverage, see our Labour and Wages section and the Economy section for inflation trends that shape bargaining.
Source: Jiji Press via nippon.com, 22 October 2026; Jiji Press via nippon.com, 27 October 2026; Jiji Press via Adnkronos, 2026.
Related: Japan’s 2026 Shunto Pay Round Settles at 5.01 Percent · Bank of Japan Board Members Split on Pace of Next Rate Increase
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