Japan Press Weekly

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2012 October 17 - 23 [LABOR]

Transport workers union calls for safer and better working conditions

The All Japan Automobile Transport Workers’ Union (Jikosoren) discussed ways to ensure traffic safety and improve working conditions in its regular convention held in Tokyo on October 16 and 17.

The union consists of taxi and tour bus drivers and driving school employees.

Jikosoren Chair Iinuma Hiroshi, referring to a fatal tour bus crush in April this year in his speech, pointed out that the accident occurred as the result of the government’s disregard for the demands of unions and workers calling for a stronger safety review.

Iinuma also stated that since the consumption tax rate increased from 3% to 5% in 1997, taxi usage has continued to decline. He stressed the need to block the further consumption tax hike along with efforts to get the nation’s economy restored and increase workers’ wages.

A representative of Osaka’s bus drivers reported that they have carried out safety research and called on the transport administration to implement stronger regulations on bus tour operators, including a requirement to have two drivers on a night shift.

A report on an illegal labor practice was made too. According to a representative from Hokkaido, some employers force workers to sign a contract to waive their right to receive the minimum hourly wage.

Their discussion also highlighted the need to reduce the number of operating taxies to the appropriate level in order to ensure drivers’ better working conditions, to eradicate illegal use of day laborers and part-timers, and make clear authorities’ responsibility to supervise business operators.