Japan Ready to Improve Working Conditions for SDF Members

   Tokyo, Dec. 20 (Jiji Press)--The Japanese government compiled Friday a basic plan on improving working conditions for Self-Defense Force members, centered around upgrading the pay structure, boosting career-building support and raising the retirement age.
   The move is aimed at "stably securing excellent SDF personnel to truly achieve a drastic strengthening of defense capabilities" amid a chronic lack of applicants at a time when the security environment for the country is worsening, according to the plan.   
   Improving working conditions for the members "is a serious challenge" for his administration, Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba told a meeting of relevant cabinet ministers held to adopt it.
   To raise wages to levels commensurate with constrains and burdens posed by SDF jobs, the policy bundle calls on the government to aim to upgrade in fiscal 2028 the current pay structure, which is based on the salary system for public security officials such as police officers.
   Specifically, the government plans to create allowances for special duties such as air traffic control and tasks linked to cyberspace. Its fiscal 2025 budget proposal will cover a total of 31 allowances to be created or increased.

(2024/12/20-22:51)

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