Trade unions in Japan are strengthening their capacity to promote responsible business conduct (RBC) and advance labour rights with support from the International Labour Organization (ILO). A capacity development programme implemented with major national federations, including UA ZENSEN, RENGO, FOOD-RENGO, and the Japanese Council of Metalworkers’ Unions, has helped equip union leaders with practical tools to address labour issues across workplaces and global supply chains.
The programme, conducted through four sessions between November 2025 and April 2026, focused on human rights due diligence, improving labour standards in supply chains, and fostering constructive dialogue between workers and employers. It brought together both national and enterprise-level trade unions, strengthening coordination and shared understanding across different sectors.
Participants are now better prepared to identify and respond to labour rights concerns in practice, particularly those linked to workplace conditions and supply chain operations. The training also improved their ability to communicate effectively with employers on compliance and worker protection issues.
A key outcome of the initiative was the development of concrete action plans by participating unions, outlining how responsible business conduct principles will be integrated into their ongoing work. These plans reflect a growing commitment to applying RBC frameworks in practical workplace settings.
At the final session held on 1 April, around twenty participants shared reflections on the training outcomes and presented their future strategies. Discussions included union-specific goals, current workplace challenges, and approaches for engaging employers more effectively on labour rights and responsible business practices
