The second round of negotiations were held on Mar 16th in Tokyo between the four major labour unions (Kantoro, Zenbaro, Kansairo, Mikomaro) representing stable workers and the Japan Trainers Association. Stable staff labour unions are requesting the abolition of the wage system that has been in place since 2011 and an increase to their basic rate. However, no agreement was reached, and the negotiations were postponed until the 17th.

On the 10th, the labour unions issued a strike notice to the JRA and the Japan Trainers Association. If negotiations fail, it is possible that race meetings this weekend will be cancelled due to strike action for the first time in 24 years.