Teachers unions of different affiliations struggle jointly against contingency legislation

A joint struggle organization of teachers unions under the All-Japan Teachers and Staff's Union (Zenkyo) and the Japan Teachers' Union (Nikkyoso) in the general meeting on May 12 adopted an appeal, calling for the three contingency bills to be scrapped.

The appeal represents strong opposition of teachers to the bills, as they have pledged not to send their students to battlefields and make efforts to disseminate the ideas of peace and democracy in education.

Pointing out that under the contingency laws, if enacted, school grounds and buildings will be forcibly used for military purposes and teachers will be forced to cooperate with war, the appeal called on all teachers to join hands to ensure a peaceful future for children. (end)