Japan Press Weekly

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2017 November 29 - December 5 [POLITICS]

Companies sending out SDF reserves will receive \30,000 per day per individual

The Defense Ministry has decided to create a system to provide private-sector companies employing Self-Defense Forces reserves with 30,000 yen a day per head in "emergencies".

The ministry claimed these costs in the FY2018 budget draft and will seek parliamentary approval in the form of an SDF Act revision bill in the ordinary session of the Diet early next year.

The planned system will cover private firms that employ retired SDF personnel as reservists and combat-ready reserves, in order to meet the need for more personnel after a call-up for service in times of emergency or disaster. The government will also pay benefits to these enterprises for absences due to an injury on duty or during a drill.

Based on the national security legislation, the government already established a system of using two civilian ships and claim the crewmembers as reserves. However, the All Japan Seamen's Union in its statement expresses its firm opposition to this measure under the war laws.

As of the end of 2016, the number of SDF reserves totals 33,142, failing to meet the target of 47,900. The ratio is under 70% of the required estimate which is causing concern to the Defense Ministry.

Past related articles:
> JCP Nihi calls for withdrawal of gov’t plan to mobilize commercial vessels in emergency situations [March 26, 2016]
> Maritime workers stand up to gov’t policy to mobilize them for wars [February 17, 2016]