Japan Press Weekly

Tweet

2016 October 19 - 25 [LABOR]

Aviation safety cannot be ensured without good working conditions

Akahata ‘current’ column

The American movie “Sully” depicts the tense situation after a plane captain successfully landed the plane with engine troubles on the river. The film is based on the unprecedented emergency landing of a U.S. civilian airplane in 2009, which is well-known as the “Miracle on the Hudson”.

Shortly after take-off, both engines of the passenger plane stalled after a flock of birds flew into them. Making good use of his long experience, the captain instantly decided to land the plane on the nearby Hudson River which saved the lives of 155 passengers and crew members. After the incident, however, the captain was intensively interrogated by the accident investigation commission and had nightmares of the crash every night.

If people see this movie, they will understand the great ability and humanity of a professional who employed his best efforts to save lives in an extreme emergency situation. Indeed, the crew members of the damaged airplane, including the captain and copilot, are all veterans. Working together in a calm manner, they succeeded in getting all passengers out of the plane which was rapidly sinking in the river.

It is human labor that ensures the safety of daily flights. Workers’ experiences, expertise, and skills should be a valuable asset to an airline company and a stronghold to protect passengers’ safety. Nevertheless, Japan Airlines (JAL) has disposed of this asset.

“JAL’s management policy has been undermining the foundation of safety,” said Yamaguchi Hiroya, a former JAL captain and union leader who was unfairly dismissed nearly six years ago. Yamaguchi pointed out that the crash of a JAL jumbo jet in 1985, the world’s worst fatal accident caused by a single airplane, is attributed to the airline’s inhumane and irresponsible management culture and Japan’s aviation authorities.

JAL still maintains its management style putting a priority on profits over safety. Workers of the company are always suffering from a shortage of staff, time, and parts. The “Miracle on the Hudson” and the history of JAL show that aviation safety is ensured by creating a working environment where people can work with confidence, pride, and hope for the future.

Past related article:
> Supreme Court recognizes JAL’s unfair labor practices over mass dismissal [September 25, 2016]