Trade unions in Japan are strengthening their capacity to promote responsible business conduct (RBC) and advance labour rights through a capacity-building programme supported by the International Labour Organization (ILO). The initiative was implemented in collaboration with major national and sectoral unions, including UA ZENSEN, RENGO, FOOD-RENGO, and the Japanese Council of Metalworkers’ Unions, bringing together union leaders from across key industries such as textiles, food, chemicals, commerce, services, and manufacturing.
The training programme, conducted over four sessions from November 2025 to April 2026, focused on human rights due diligence, improving labour rights protection in global supply chains, and strengthening constructive engagement between trade unions and employers. Participants gained practical tools and knowledge to better identify, address, and communicate workplace and supply chain concerns within their organisations and industries.
A key outcome of the initiative is that participating trade unions have developed concrete action plans outlining how they will integrate responsible business conduct principles into their ongoing work. These plans reflect a shared commitment to advancing labour rights and embedding RBC practices more systematically within union activities.
The programme also helped build a common understanding among participants of their role in promoting ethical business practices and protecting workers’ rights. By the final session held on 1 April, around twenty participants presented their future strategies, including organisational goals, ongoing initiatives, workplace challenges, and approaches for more effective dialogue with employers.
Overall, the initiative has strengthened the capacity of Japanese trade unions to actively engage in responsible business conduct, improve labour rights outcomes, and foster more collaborative relationships between workers and employers across sectors.
