Japan Press Weekly

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2012 July 25 - 31 [CIVIL RIGHTS]

Osaka city workers sue city for mental anguish brought about by survey

A group of 55 Osaka City workers, including three retirees, on July 30 filed a lawsuit with the Osaka District Court against the city for the emotional distress they suffered from an “ideological” survey Mayor Hashimoto Toru conducted.

They are demanding compensation for the mental anguish based on the State Redress Law.

Mayor Hashimoto in February surveyed city employees regarding their political beliefs, political involvements, and union activities. Waving the threat of punishment, he forced all workers to answer the questionnaire.

A worker in his 50s fought back his tears, saying that some colleagues had responded to the survey against their will for fear of being disciplined. He said, “I want to restore the previous work environment in which we could work for and listen to the city residents, not to unquestioningly obey the dictates of the mayor.”

A plaintiffs’ legal team pointed out that the “ideological” survey infringes on the constitutional right to freedom of thought, conscience, and political activities, basic labor rights, the right to privacy, and personal rights.

Head of the lawyers Iseki Kazuhiko said, “At court, we want to explain the illegality of the survey that stunned the city employees into submission.”