TOKYO -- A labor union of nurses and other staff at medical institutions under Japan's National Hospital Organization staged a nationwide strike Feb. 28, demanding higher wages.

The Japan National Hospital Workers' Union is demanding a monthly base pay increase of 40,000 yen (about $270) for full-time workers and wage hike of 250 yen ($1.70) per hour for part-time staff. In 2023, the union staged a walkout for the first time in 31 years, and the latest strike was the first one in two years. A total of 209 members from 119 branches participated in a one-hour selective strike.

In Tokyo, the strike was carried out at three hospitals including Tokyo Medical Center in Meguro Ward and Tokyo National Hospital in the city of Kiyose. In Kanagawa Prefecture, three hospitals including Kanagawa Hospital in Hadano took part, while in Chiba Prefecture, a walkout was seen in Chibahigashi National Hospital in the city of Chiba. Higashisaitama Hospital in the Saitama Prefecture city of Hasuda among other locations also joined the strike.

According to the union, the strike was prompted by the breakdown in 2024 wage negotiations, during which their request for a wage increase was completely rejected. As 2025 spring wage negotiations kick off, the 2024 talks have yet to be settled. Wages at national hospitals are said to follow the standards set for government workers, and the 2024 recommendation from the National Personnel Authority has called for wage increases for public employees. The union stated, "While wages in other industries are rising, a zero wage increase will only exacerbate ongoing staff shortages, leading to a further outflow of personnel and ultimately causing the collapse of regional health care."

Regarding the strike, the National Hospital Organization commented, "We have held three rounds of negotiations in response to the union's demands and have explained our difficult financial situation and challenges in securing personnel, but unfortunately, we have not reached an agreement. We want to ensure that the strike does not affect patients."

(Japanese original by Satoshi Tokairin, Tokyo City News Department)