(Photo: kyodonews.net)
As part of its overall response to the COVID-19 pandemic, BWI affiliate Sinrin Roren reports that the Japanese government has expanded its subsidy program to provide companies with additional financial support to secure the employment and incomes of their workers.
In addition, there are other measures, such as interest-free loans and subsidies, and a safety net guarantee scheme, to help workers address the financial constraints of the health crisis.
Also, the government plans to provide a subsidy of YEN 300,000 (USD 2,793) to each household, whose income has fallen dramatically due to the outbreak. A monthly allowance of YEN 10,000 to 15,000 (USD 90 to140) will also be given to all families with young children.
These measures were put in place after the Japanese government declared a State of Emergency on 8 April. The declaration requires the public to observe health protocols, telework, scatter commuting hours, use teleconferences for medical check-ups and avoid closed spaces.
Akira Shinohara of Sinrin Roren, the Japanese Federation of Forest and Woodworkers' Union reports that several Olympic-related construction work may continue, mainly on the sports event’s temporary facilities and overlay construction, despite the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games being moved to next year.
Shinohara said that the construction at Olympic facilities and other infrastructure organised by Nikkenkyo-affiliated unions, including the New National Stadium and the Athletes Village, was completed last year.