Business and labor leaders in Japan have kicked off annual wage negotiations. The focus is on whether they can agree on pay raises that outpace inflation.

日本工商界与劳工界领袖已启动年度薪资谈判。 核心焦点是能否达成跑赢通胀的加薪协议。

The heads of the Japan Business Federation, or Keidanren, and the Japanese Trade Union Confederation, or Rengo, met on Tuesday.

日本经济团体联合会与日本工会总联合会负责人已于周二举行会晤。

"The public attention to wage hikes is growing amid rising prices and labor shortages. An increase in base pay will be the primary topic for the talks. We are calling on all companies to hold active discussions."

“当前物价上涨、劳动力短缺，公众对加薪的关注度持续升温。 基本工资上调将是本次谈判的核心议题。 我们呼吁所有企业积极推进磋商。”

The labor group aims for average increases of at least 5 percent for base pay and regular hikes. The goal for smaller businesses is 6 percent.

劳工团体提出目标：基本工资及常规加薪平均涨幅不低于5%。 中小企业目标涨幅为6%。

The discussions face headwinds. They include tariff policies under the administration of US President Trump and resistance among smaller firms to raise pay.

此次磋商面临多重阻力。 包括特朗普政府时期的关税政策遗留影响，以及中小企业普遍存在的加薪抵触情绪。

Negotiations will get into full swing next month when labor unions at major firms submit their requests.

下月各大企业工会将正式提交加薪诉求，届时谈判将全面进入关键阶段。

素材来源：iYuba

本文来自公众微信号：听歌学英语