The industry has been suffering from shortage of workers because of increasing construction investments. Some people fear that unconsidered acceptance of inexpensive labor from overseas could lead to dumping and bad working environment and that the industry could fall into vicious circle of losing its attraction. At the same time, construction contractors have difficulties with securing workers ahead of big projects such as Tokyo Olympic Games, construction of the Central Maglev Express Line. Counteractions need to be taken urgently, but it does not seem easy to find solutions with immediate effect on it.

Acceleration of reconstruction works in Tohoku region, the earthquake affected area and an increase of public works due to the government’s economic measures have caused labor shortage throughout the nation. Increasing private investments could worsen the issues.

On the other hand, the industry argues that the situation has mainly resulted from severe working conditions including low income and the uncertain future of construction economy. Increasing competition has lowered the income level and accordingly many workers have left the industry.

Some people in the industry said that depending on inexpensive labor such as foreign workers could only postpone the issues to the future. It is important to establish fundamental long-term solution against the short labor by developing core human resources, another source said. (2013/11/14)