Japanese fire fighters discuss efforts to be organized

The Fire Fighters Network (FFN), established to achieve the right to organize as the way for improving their working conditions, held a discussion from November 19-20 in Okayama City.

Hosoi Ikuhide, FFN assistant secretary general, reported on FFN's struggle to achieve the right to organize, including lodging complaints with the International Labour Organization.

ILO Convention No.87, which establishes workers' right to organize has been ratified by 122 countries, but Japan is the only country to deny fire fighters right to be unionized.

FFN member Suganuma Hiroyuki reported on the network's activities to improve working conditions using the Health and Safety Commission. He said fire fighters on the night shift can now sleep in private rooms. (end)