Japan Press Weekly

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2007 June 20 - 26 [LABOR]

Tunnel workers formally settle with the state

On June 20, 49 tunnel workers suffering from pneumoconiosis and bereaved family members who had pursued the lawsuit in the Tokyo High Court formally settled their case based on the agreement reached with the government two days previous that the government will take appropriate preventive measures against the lung disease.

Plaintiffs and their lawyers in a rally held later in the day expressed their determination to continue their struggle to eradicate the lung disease, saying, “This settlement marked a significant turning point in which we have persuaded the government to change the policy to deal with pneumoconiosis. We will continue to demand that the government carry out their agreement with us.”

Four years and seven months have passed since they first filed the lawsuit. Another 920 plaintiffs in similar lawsuits pending at three high courts and 10 district courts are also expected to settle their cases. - Akahata, June 21, 2007