「公立幼稚園教諭の“賃下げ案”」採決見送りで継続審査に 賃上げ相次ぐ中なぜ？人材流出の懸念も… 滋賀・大津市【news23】｜TBS NEWS DIG

This year's spring wage negotiations saw many companies agree to raise wages, citing rising prices and labor shortages. However, in Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture, a proposed wage cut for public kindergarten teachers is being debated, sparking controversy. Why a wage cut now? ■ "They're making a fool of the people who work": The proposed wage cut for kindergarten teachers "Why can't we spend money on children who have a future?" "They're making a fool of the people who work." Since late February, posts like these have been appearing frequently on social media. The source of the controversy is… Otsu City Mayor Kenji Sato (February 19, from the Otsu City Council website) "We will review the monthly salaries of kindergarten teachers." In February, a bill was submitted to the Otsu City Council in Shiga Prefecture. It includes a de facto wage cut for public kindergarten teachers. Parents of kindergarten children: "It's a problem if the number of people becoming kindergarten teachers decreases." Otsu City Resident: "I don't know what direction we're heading in." ■Securing childcare workers…The background: The highest number of children on waiting lists in the nation for two consecutive years Why has the "wage reduction proposal" emerged now? There's a certain situation facing Otsu City behind it. When we spoke to parents whose children attend daycare centers in the city… Parent: "I was told there are quite a few children on waiting lists." "My third child is 0 years old, and I'm worried about whether we'll be able to get her into daycare because of the waiting list." As of April 2025, Otsu City has 132 children on waiting lists. This is the highest number in the nation for two consecutive years. The reason cited is the "influx of families with young children." Otsu City has relatively affordable land prices and good access to Kyoto and Osaka, leading to an increase in families with young children. The need for daycare centers that accept children from 0 years old is increasing. This nursery school reports that by springtime each year, most classes are fully booked. Nursery School Director: "There are situations where we want to take in more children but can't. A major reason is the overall shortage of teachers." To accommodate more children, the number of childcare workers needs to be increased, but securing them remains difficult. ■Potential Salary Reduction of Up to 400,000 Yen…Unification of Kindergarten Teachers and Childcare Workers To address the "shortage of childcare workers," the city introduced the "educational childcare worker" category. Previously, kindergarten teachers and childcare workers were hired separately. This unification will unify them into a single "educational childcare worker" category. The aim is to allow for flexible staffing from kindergartens with more capacity to nursery schools facing shortages. However, the policy of lowering kindergarten teachers' salaries to the same level as childcare workers has sparked widespread opposition. The labor unions of kindergarten teachers have submitted a petition demanding a review of the wage cuts. Shiga Prefecture Teachers' Union, Executive Committee Member, Arisumi Matsuzaki: "There is considerable anxiety and dissatisfaction that only kindergarten teachers will have their wages reduced. We are indignant at the forceful way this is being pushed through." Previously, the starting salary for kindergarten teachers with a university degree was approximately 240,000 yen, but with the unification, it will be reduced by nearly 10,000 yen. For teachers with 12 years of service, it is estimated that their annual income could decrease by more than 400,000 yen. At Hirano Kindergarten, a public kindergarten in Otsu City, it is said that the majority of the 14 teachers may face wage cuts. The principal, who will retire at the end of March, is worried about the future of her junior colleagues. Mayako Inoue, Principal, Hirano Kindergarten, Otsu City: "They are all people who want to work hard because they want to do their best for the children. They are working as hard as they can, right up to the limit. I hope that the staff will not have to consider retirement because they feel their work is not being recognized." Teachers working at other public kindergartens also have mixed feelings. Current Kindergarten Teacher "I feel like Otsu City doesn't value preschool education. That's why they're lowering kindergarten teachers' salaries, and I feel a sense of distrust." ■ "Wage Cut Proposal" Vote Postponed: What Will Happen to Childcare Policies? How did the City Council respond to these voices from the field…? Chairman Kusano Seiji "Those who agree with continuing the deliberation during the recess, please click the 'agree' button." On March 25th, the City Council decided to postpone the vote on the "wage cut proposal" and continue the deliberation. Following the City Council's decision, Mayor Sato… --What about the concerns...