Japan Press Weekly

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2008 April 2 - 8 [LABOR]

Postal workers’ union wages nationwide action demanding revision of privatization of postal service

As part of its Spring Struggle activities, the Postal Industry Workers' Union (Yusanro), a National Confederation of Trade Union (Zenroren) affiliate, has launched a nationwide action calling for the privatization of the Japanese postal services to be reviewed and monitored so that equal services will be maintained throughout the country.

In Kochi Prefecture, the Yusanro branch-led organization is calling for the maintenance of post offices, and citizen’s groups and unions surveyed 35 municipality heads concerning postal services. Twenty-three of them responded. Most of them said, “The quality of services has declined after the privatization.”

A petition calling for approval of the statement demanding a review of the privatization was adopted by local assemblies of Aki City, Toyo-cho, and Okawa village in March. Twenty more local assemblies adopted similar petitions last year.

In Hyogo Prefecture, Osaka, and Kyoto, Yusanro branches surveyed residents. Maruo Yuji, Yusanro Kinki regional branch secretary general, said, “By obtaining residents’ responses, we will petition local governments for the adoption of a resolution demanding a review of the privatization.”

In the Hokkaido and Tokai regions, Yusanro branches together with Zenroren prefectural federations will wage various activities including petitioning to local legislatures and holding surveys of residents. Yusanro plans to promote an activity in Gifu Prefecture where Yusanro doesn’t exist yet.
- Akahata, April 4, 2008