일본의 고령화와 노동문제

Abstract

This paper has analyzed the impact of aging on the industrial relations in Japan. The focus of the analysis has been laid upon the responses and policy measures of the enterprises, central and local government. In the enterprises, the Japanese style seniority(nenko) system has been substituted by the merit system emphasizing ability and performance of the individual. But they have begun to extend the beneficiaries of the enterprise welfare system for the purpose of securing loyalty. Retired employees can be covered by the enterprise medical insurance service. They also try to introduce enterprise pension system. According to the emplyment security law for the aged persons enforced since 1986, central and local government have provided the guidances and incentives for the enterprises, so as to extend the retirement age unto 65, from the age. limit of 60 at present. Linked with this, public pension system has been changed in 1994, so that the beginning age of receipt should be extended gradually unto 65, from that of 60 at that time. In short, Japanese policy makers emphasize the retraining and job security for the aged. The conditions and environments of community should be rearranged by the common efforts private and public sectors, so as to accommodate the age returned from the life world of enterprise. In sum, they are facing the turning point of substituting quality of life for the pursuit of productivity, as a social goal of priority.