Um... You’re correct on the Germans, not correct on the Japanese. Japanese labor unions are *very* pro-business and rarely go on strike.
come to think of it, I don't remember any. but I haven't followed that closely.
You misread the Japanese society where such confrontations go against their ways. The companies and unions prefer to seek cooperation that avoid confrontations.
Japanese auto workers reach out to U.S. union
Thursday, August 3, 2006 at 07:13 EDT
DETROIT — Japanese auto workers would like to join forces with US unions, a leader of the Confederation of Japanese Auto Workers said Tuesday. Labor leaders of both countries need a common agenda, according to Isao Yoshida, the leader of a JAW delegation touring North America.
Yoshida sidestepped a question on whether Japanese workers would assist the United Auto Workers as they try to organize U.S. workers at plants operated here by Honda, Nissan and Toyota. Yoshida said that the JAW is a member of the International Metalworkers Federation, the umbrella organization for unions representing auto workers, and believes workers should belong to unions.