Japan Press Weekly

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2021 June 9 - 15 [SOCIAL ISSUES]

Bill to provide compensation benefits to asbestos victims unanimously enacted

A bill regarding the set-up of a fund that provides compensation benefits to construction workers suffering from exposure to asbestos was unanimously approved and enacted on June 9 at the House of Councilors plenary session.

The bill was proposed in response to the Supreme Court ruling on May 18 recognizing that the state and construction materials makers bear responsibility for asbestos-induced health damage to workers. Plaintiffs in construction asbestos lawsuits, their supporters, and the plaintiffs’ legal team have long demanded new legislation that will relieve all asbestos victims.

The national government will pay for half of the contributions to the compensation fund. The fund will pay 5.5-13 million yen to construction workers, including self-employed workers, who suffered from asbestos diseases such as mesothelioma and lung cancer, and their bereaved families regardless of whether they bring their cases into court or not in accordance with workers’ health conditions. The additional benefits will be paid if their conditions worsen.

Welcoming the new legislation, the Japanese Communist Party said that this epoch-making accomplishment was achieved thanks to asbestos victims’ long-term struggle. The JCP expressed its determination to continue working hard to resolve the remaining issues of getting construction materials makers involved in the fund and providing relief to former construction workers engaged in outdoor work as they were excluded in the May Supreme Court ruling from being eligible for compensation.

Past related article:
> Agreement concluded between plaintiffs and government in construction asbestos lawsuits [May 18 & 19, 2021]