Japan to Raise Salaries for Government Workers by Average of 3.51%

Japan's National Personnel Authority has called for a fifth consecutive increase in government employee salaries and bonuses. The recommended raise is an average of 3.51% or 15,056 yen per month, with annual bonuses increased to 4.7 months of salary, up from 0.05 month. This change aims to bring government employees' monthly wages closer to those in the private sector.

The agency's survey found that government workers' monthly salaries were lower than those of private firms by 15,056 yen and their bonuses were 0.07 month lower than those in the private sector. To address this disparity, the authority recommends raising wages for fiscal 2026.

Additionally, a 'relocation allowance' will be established to reduce economic burdens caused by relocation. Those transferred alone will receive between 11,000 yen and 105,000 yen per month depending on distance, while other employees will receive between 6,000 yen and 43,000 yen per month.

The authority also proposes establishing unpaid leave that can be taken from one hour regardless of the reason. This change aims to allow employees to temporarily shorten their working hours to take care of their children.