Three of the four labour unions representing Japan Racing Association (JRA) assistant trainers and stable staff-Kanto, Kansai, and Mikoma Union-have announced plans for a 24-hour strike starting at midnight on the day before the G1 Japanese Derby. The final decision on whether the strike will go ahead will be made by 1:00 PM on the 23rd. Although the unions have agreed to changes in the worker's welfare system, negotiations regarding a 3% wage increase have failed.

On March 18th last year, Kanto, Kansai, and Mikoma Union conducted a strike on a race day. Despite this, races went ahead as scheduled at Nakayama, Chukyo, and Hanshin as trainers and non-union members took on the duties of running the events.