Can’t wait till next October. Raise the minimum wage in April

#最低賃金を1500円に #\1500minimumwage

This past October the minimum wage went up, but more than that, the cost of food and electricity went up. My electricity bill has gone up 5,000 yen a month, which surprises me. How about our families?

For those of us working at or slightly above minimum wage, the price increase of daily necessities is especially hard.

The other day, when I was shopping at the supermarket, I was surprised to find that the price was higher than I had expected at the checkout counter. Gasoline for the car I use to commute to work is now more expensive, but my commuting allowance doesn’t increase.

Everyone around me is also complaining.

· With low wages, people used to eat a lot of instant foods. Cup noodles used to cost double digits, but now they cost triple digits. Eating out easily costs around 1,000 yen, and it is almost impossible to eat in a restaurant. (Male in his 30s)

· I never want to see price increases of lifelines such as electricity and water bills. Due to price hikes of food and other daily necessities, it is getting harder and harder to make ends meet. Prices are not in line with my income. I hesitate to buy toys that my children want. It's really hard. (40s female)

· I commute to work by motorcycle, but the company's commuting allowance is so small that I lose money every month. It is very painful that the price of gasoline keeps going up. (Male in his 50s).

· I used to buy manga and CDs on the day they went on sale with excitement, but now I have to wait for coupons and point reduction sales. I am trying to save money by buying discounted items at the supermarket, but at least I want to be able to spend money on some hobbies without having to worry. (40s female)

· The portions at the company cafeteria keep getting smaller while prices remain the same (Male in his 30s)

Winter is coming. Regardless how much electricity and gas prices go up, we cannot afford not to use them. The government plans to subsidize the electricity and gas bills as an economic measure and I am grateful for that, but since it is only temporary, I am still anxious about the future.

Is it extravagant of me to want to enjoy New Year's food in a warm room?

The new fiscal year starts in April. Please raise the minimum wage again at this time.

The minimum wage was just raised in October, but in Germany and France, the minimum wage was raised several times during the past year. In Japan, it can also be raised as many times as necessary if there is a will to do so.

An increase in the minimum wage will allow those on lower incomes to enjoy an easier life, and to look forward to the future.

For this to occur, the Minister of Health, Labour, and Welfare must consult with the Central Minimum Wage Council by the end of December.

We ask that this is immediately implemented.

Let’s unite the feeling of all those struggling with price increases.

We would be very grateful if you signed our petition.

We would also appreciate your messages of support and that you pass this petition on to others.

Also, please write even a few words to tell us about your life right now dealing with price increases.（https://forms.gle/yhWGEzPfQsFjwZsZ9）

Thank you very much.