April 15, 2011
The National Confederation of Trade Unions (Zenroren) and independent unions on April 14 held a day of action calling for livelihood support for Great East Japan Disaster victims and the start of reconstruction of disaster-hit areas.
About 700 participants, including those from the disaster-hit prefectures of Iwate, Miyagi, and Fukushima, filed petitions with various ministries, Dietmembers, and Tokyo Electric Power Corporation (TEPCO).
At the Cabinet Office, Zenroren Secretary General Odagawa Yoshikazu demanded that the government distribute donations received from foreign governments and the Japanese Red Cross to sufferers without delay, improve the system of compensating victims for loss of earnings due to the disaster, and provide information to sufferers regarding the government’s livelihood assistance programs.
A representative of the Zenroren-affiliated Fukushima Prefectural Federation of Trade Unions said, “Evacuees from areas near the Fukushima nuclear power plant are unable to have hope of returning to their homes in the near future. In order to support their livelihoods, I want the government to promptly draw up a plan that help them find jobs and places to live.”
Zenroren representatives at the TEPCO’s headquarters requested TEPCO to immediately provide compensation for damages to those affected by the ongoing nuclear crisis, including farmers and fishermen as well as evacuees, based on a comprehensive plan and to change its policy to one utilizing renewable energy sources.
A TEPCO official only said that the Fukushima No.1 Nuclear Power Plant accident was unexpected due to the massive earthquake and tsunami.
Since soon after the disaster, Zenroren has provided support for its disaster-hit prefectural unions and engaged in relief activities for disaster victims.
About 700 participants, including those from the disaster-hit prefectures of Iwate, Miyagi, and Fukushima, filed petitions with various ministries, Dietmembers, and Tokyo Electric Power Corporation (TEPCO).
At the Cabinet Office, Zenroren Secretary General Odagawa Yoshikazu demanded that the government distribute donations received from foreign governments and the Japanese Red Cross to sufferers without delay, improve the system of compensating victims for loss of earnings due to the disaster, and provide information to sufferers regarding the government’s livelihood assistance programs.
A representative of the Zenroren-affiliated Fukushima Prefectural Federation of Trade Unions said, “Evacuees from areas near the Fukushima nuclear power plant are unable to have hope of returning to their homes in the near future. In order to support their livelihoods, I want the government to promptly draw up a plan that help them find jobs and places to live.”
Zenroren representatives at the TEPCO’s headquarters requested TEPCO to immediately provide compensation for damages to those affected by the ongoing nuclear crisis, including farmers and fishermen as well as evacuees, based on a comprehensive plan and to change its policy to one utilizing renewable energy sources.
A TEPCO official only said that the Fukushima No.1 Nuclear Power Plant accident was unexpected due to the massive earthquake and tsunami.
Since soon after the disaster, Zenroren has provided support for its disaster-hit prefectural unions and engaged in relief activities for disaster victims.
