In 1984, the government decided to rectify inequalities between the pension plan for company employees (kosei nenkin) and the one mainly for public servants (kyosai nenkin). Public servants are entitled to receive more benefits by paying smaller amounts of contributions than company employees.
As late as April, the government adopted a reform package. Proposals contained in the package represent just the first step toward integrating the two pension plans. But they still give advantageous treatment to public-sector workers and thus would have a hard time gaining support from the private sector.
Pension-reform bills will be submitted to the regular session of the Diet next year. Lawmakers need to delve into problems with the proposals so that inequalities are minimized.