May Day rally held in Tokyo

Labor unions staged May Day rallies across Japan on Saturday, seeking more stable employment and enhanced social security.

The National Confederation of Trade Unions said about 32,000 people took part in its rally held at Tokyo's Yoyogi Park.

The confederation's chairman, Sakuji Daikoku, said that considering the fact that more than 17 million people are non-regular workers and about 50 percent of young employees work under such conditions, the future of working people doesn't look bright.

Daikoku called for a turnaround to a society where employment on regular worker status is the norm.

A declaration adopted at the rally demands wage increases for all workers, and ensuring employment and improved social security.

The Labor Ministry says more than 275,000 non-regular workers have lost their jobs since last October.

A participant in his 30s said many in his generation are hesitant to get married because of economic difficulties.

He urged the government to build a society where people can afford to get married and raise children if they work 8 hours a day.