Fukuoka union sets 'peace pact' with transport companies

A transport workers' union in Fukuoka Prefecture is making progress in concluding an "agreement" with trucking and other transport companies to refuse war cooperation. The union has so far reached an agreement with four shipping companies.

The Fukuoka Construction, Transport and General Workers Union (CTG) has demanded this "peace agreement," along with a wage-hike, in annual negotiations with management this spring.

The "peace agreement" confirms opposition to wartime legislation, and the International Peace Cooperation Law allowing Japan to take part in U.N. peace keeping operations by dispatching the Japanese Self-Defense Forces abroad. The agreement also refuses to accept call-ups for defense training of transport workers as standby or reserve soldiers.

If Japan takes part in a U.S. war under the wartime legislation, transport-related workers, including truck drivers, will be the first to be mobilized for war cooperation.

Many truck drivers are former SDF personnel. They will be called up by the Defense Agency for military exercises as SDF reserves for a certain period of time. Those companies that offer to have their employees serve as SDF reserves will be rewarded with 510,000 yen (about 4,000 dollars) a year per person.

A 35-year-old truck driver said, "I will be forced to transport ammunition and other military supplies if wartime legislation is invoked."

Yamazaki Mitsugu, secretary general of Fukuoka CTG, said, "Because of the economic recession, the transport companies may agree to do whatever required in response to requests for such cooperation if it benefits them. But war cooperation is a life-and-death matter not only to drivers but also local residents. We want the employers to enhance their awareness of the importance of peace."

The Fukuoka CTG has made representations to 38 transport companies in the prefecture calling on them to conclude the "peace agreement." (end)