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Messages from overseas unions[International Center for Labor Solidarity (ICLS)]The ICLS express its condolences, hoping no more damage would beA 9.0 magnitude earthquake, which is the most powerful in Japan’s
history, struck the country, causing huge damage and causalities. The
ICLS, having a long relationship with the public transportation workers
of the JR, expressed its condolences, hoping no more damage would be.
[Korean Federation of Public Services and Transportation Workers’ Unions (KPTU)]Dear President Mr. Masaharu Takei, Korean Federation of Public Services and Transportation Workers’
Unions (KPTU) sends a message of sympathy and support to all our JRU
brothers and sisters in Japan, who are going through most difficult
times after the earthquake and tsunami on 11 March. In Solidarity, Do-Hwan Kim [Philippine Railway Workers’ Union (BKM-PNR) / United Transport Workers Organization (UTWO)]Dear Brothers and Sisters at JRU/JREU, We look at our television screens with shock and worries about your
situation now in Japan after that very powerful earthquake and tsunami.
We can only cover our faces and pray that all of you, your families and
members are safe. I tried to call your offices yesterday afternoon but
we cannot get through. Our sympathies and solidarity. Your Comrades, Edgar John P. Bilayon [Taiwan Railway Labor Union (TRLU)]Dear Comrades, How are you? Best regards, Pan Hong-Ling [State Railway Workers’ Union of Thailand (SRUT)]Dear Brother Takei, Brother Chiba and all JRU and JREU members, First of all, I would like to express my deep and sincere condolence
to those families who have lost their love ones in the massive disaster.
I have been following the updated news from Bro. Massa concerning the
official death toll and those missings which seem to be increasing while
a huge number of people are continuingly seeking shelter in evacuation
centers. I am sadden to know of the death of JR East company's employees
and some of their family members and hope that those missing ones will
be found safe and sound soonest. I am very much concerned with what had happened and is still
happening to the nuclear plants. I pray that it will not worsen. From the past history that the world has learnt about Japan, the
Japanese people have always been hard working most discipline people
that the world has ever known of, therefore I know and I am certain that
the Japanese people will overcome this tragic disaster and situation
will be alleviated because of the caracteristic qualities that you all
have, recovery will not be far from happening. I and the working class people in Thailand will stand by your side
for better or worse, should we be of any assistance, a helping hand in
anyway, please do not hesitate to let us know. Please take care, be strong and have faith! Yours in Solidarity, [Rail and Maritime Transport Union of New Zealand (RMTU)]Dear Brothers and Sisters, I have been away fishing over the weekend and out of contact, and so
arriving back to hear the news was a great shock. Kia Kaha my sister and brother, and I shall write formally later today to your President, my Bro Masaharu Takei. With a heavy heart and sincere best wishes Wayne Butson [Australian Rail, Tram & Bus Union (RTBU)]Dear Masaharu, On behalf of the members, officials and staff of the Australian Rail,
Tram and Bus Union, please accept my deepest condolences for the
brothers and sisters of your nation who have lost their lives following
the recent earthquake and tsunami. While we are naturally shocked by the scale of this natural disaster,
and concerned for the welfare of many transport workers, we have no
doubt that the strength, resilience and spirit of your nation will
ensure you will move forward and prosper again. It was not long ago that we enjoyed the support of your comradeship followingthe recent cyclones and floods in Queensland. Please be assured that we will be doing everything we can in conjunction with the International Transport Workers’ Federation to assist your members, their families and others that have been devastated by these tragic events. It is during these darkest of times that the values which underpin the international trade union movement are demonstrated and reinforced. While the memories and untold personal consequences will remain with workers for many years, the movement, including the RTBU, will offer what it can to help you through the tragedy and to lighten the burden of recovery in the months and years ahead. In solidarity, Bob Nanva [Bukluran ng Manggagawang Pilipino (BMP), Philippine]Dear Brothers and Sisters, Just got back to Manila yesterday. Went out of town last week. I am most relieved to know that you and JRU comrades are well. We were so worried about all of you while watching the news about the earthquake and the tsunami. We were horrified seeing in the news the devastation that hit Japan. And we were deeply concerned when we heard in the news that there were several trains missing, we feared for the lives of our Japanese comrades. The BMP expresses our deepest concern and condolences to all the families and victims of the earthquake and tsunami that hit Japan and we pledge our solidarity and support to you in these dark hours. Especially now that the worst is not yet over but intensified by the dangerous state of meltdown of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant and the explosion at the Fukushima nuclear reactor. In solidarity to the Japanese people, last week we organized a candle
lighting rally saying "NO TO NUCLEAR POWER!" I'll gather videos and pictures of the activity and will send it to you. Please keep us posted. Thank you. Michelle [International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF)]Dear Colleagues, You will be well aware of the very serious earthquake followed by a massive Tsunami which has devastated large parts of Japan, particularly the North Eastern coastal areas. Many members of ITF affiliated transport unions, who live in the affected areas, and their families have been affected. On behalf of the ITF, both I and President Paddy Crumlin have sent messages of solidarity and will also be considering extending further assistance to our unions. We have established a page on the ITF website (http://itfglobal.org/solidarity/japan.cfm) which will provide updates on the steps taken by ITF Japanese unions in response to the tragedy and will provide an opportunity for other ITF unions to leave messages. Our thoughts go out to all the people of Japan at this tragic moment. Yours fraternally, David Cockroft We are sorry that we cannot carry all the solidarity letters by
unions and individuals across the world because of space limitations. We
have received 40 more letters as follows. Germany / Eisenbahn- und Verkehrsgewerkschaft (EVG) |