JAL workers ask for JCP’s cooperation to block radical downsizing

Japan Press Weekly

Japan Press Service Co., Ltd. is the only news agency providing information of progressive, democratic movements in Japan

JAL workers ask for JCP’s cooperation to block radical downsizing

Union workers of the aviation industry visited Japanese Communist Party Dietmembers on October 6 to ask for their cooperation to defend their jobs against the restructuring of Japan Airlines (JAL).

JAL, under the corporate rehabilitation procedure, has announced that it will go ahead with the dismissal of 16,000 workers by the end of this fiscal year. In order to accomplish the restructuring plan, the company has not provided any jobs to those who fall into its guidelines for candidates for dismissal.

Japan Federation of Aviation Workers’ Union Chair Chikamura Kazuya said, “Even those who are not now part of the restructuring plan are feeling emotional stress, thinking that what befalls others today might befall them tomorrow.” He stated that the company should look into the cause of its management failure and strengthen its role of protecting passengers’ safety.

Japan Flight Crew Union Chair Ugachi Tatsuya revealed that 330 captains and pilots have not been assigned jobs and that workers are afraid of making complaints or taking sick leave because even employees in their 20s could be the target of downsizing according to the company’s guidelines.

JCP Diet Policy Commission Chair Kokuta Keiji stated that the JCP will struggle together with the union workers to protect workers’ rights and promote flight safety.

- Akahata, October 8, 2010