job2

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

JCP urges government not to appeal court decisions that meet tunnel workers' demand

The Japanese Communist Party Dietmembers group on July 18 made representations to the Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare to demand that the ministry give up appealing the decisions given by the Tokyo District Court on July 7 and the Kumamoto District Court on July 13 meeting plaintiffs' claim in lawsuits over tunnel workers' lung damage.

JCP House of Councilors member Koike Akira said, "The two courts condemned the former labor ministry for having neglected to exercise its regulatory authority for the prevention of pneumoconiosis. The government should accept decisions."

Pointing out that new victims still continue to appear in ongoing public construction works, Koike stressed the need to drastically review the Pneumoconiosis Law and improve the regulations for preventing damage caused by dust inhalation in order to avoid more pneumoconiosis cases.

Concerning the ministry's refusal to talk with the plaintiffs and their lawyers' team, Koike pressed the ministry to sincerely consult with them about relief for victims as well as about future measures, stating, "Listening to public opinion is the government duty." He went on to say, "The public has a legitimate right to express its opinion to the administration. The government must listen."

JCP House of Councilors member Nihi Sohei and JCP House of Representatives member Takahashi Chizuko were also present at the representations.

The plaintiffs' group and the lawyers' team on the same day took to the streets near the prime minister's office and the ministry, and issued a statement calling on the government to give up appealing to a higher court and to hold talks based on the written demand submitted by the plaintiffs' group.
- Akahata, July 19, 2006