Some of Japan's biggest companies are expected to formally offer sizeable pay increases at annual talks with unions that wrap up on Wednesday, clearing the way for the central bank to end negative interest rates as early as next week.
Some of Japan's biggest companies are expected to formally offer sizeable pay increases at annual talks with unions that wrap up on Wednesday, clearing the way for the central bank to end negative interest rates as early as next week.
Economists see substantial wage increases as a prerequisite for the Bank of Japan, or BOJ, to declare that its long-held goals of sustainable wage growth and stable prices are in sight and usher in an end to negative rates in place since 2016.
As a result, some analysts expect this year's wage increases at 5% or more, from just under 4% previously.
Unions across industries, including automobiles, electronics, metals, heavy machinery and the service sector have all demanded hefty pay hikes.
Organizations:
Toyota Motor, Japan's, Bank of Japan, Workers
Locations:
Toyota, Nagoya, Japan