A124　 One reason is that, after the collapse of the economic bubble, unions were dissolved as companies restructured, resulting in streamlining and a decline in staff numbers. This led to an overall reduction in the number of unions. In the 1990s, there were more than 70,000 unions but, since 2000, the number has fallen below 70,000. Subsequently, the number of full-time, regular employees fell, while the number of part-time or non-regular employees increased, giving further impetus to the falling union membership, which comprises full-time, regular employees. 

particularly striking in the retail and distribution industry. Since the 1970s, there has been a shift from full-time, regular employees to part-timers working in supermarkets. Currently, at major supermarkets, for every full-time, regular employee there are four or five part-timers.

Economic conditions have generally improved and, unlike in former times, strikes demanding pay raises have all but disappeared, while the ability of unions to bring employees together has vanished. Moreover, young employees are no longer conscious of being laborers or workers, and have lost interest in unions. When unions hold conventions, attendance rates are extremely low and there are now even unions that provide financial incentives for members to attend.