The 24th Annual Congress is Over

The 24th Annual Congress of JRU was held on June 1-2 in Minakami. Through two days of discussion, we established our new lines of struggle of 2008-2009 and elected new officers. About 400 participants including executive Committee members, Delegates from affiliate unions, Observers and Guests came to the Congress. We got a lot of solidarity messages from other unions and assembly or Diet members. We also got warm messages from overseas trade unions who have offered friendship and solidarity so far.

The first challenge we are facing now is fighting against infringement of trade union rights and union-busting. We must win two cases which are still in dispute, JR Urawa Case and Gamagoori Station Case (One of the officers of Central Japan Railway Workers’ Union was dismissed by the Company on suspicion of “Theft”.) Other cases including the Union Fund Embezzlement Cases have been dropped so far.

Secondly, our fighting needs to be focused on improving wages and working conditions not only for ourselves but also for precariously employed workers who account for one third of workforce in Japan, and narrowing the gap between workers which has been caused by economic globalization and deregulation.

Thirdly, we need to set up transport safety. Despite the deadly fatal accident which killed 107 people, JR West has yet to change its corporate culture. We pledged to firmly establish the safety philosophy of “Root cause investigation without blaming workers”.

Lastly, we need to beware and fight against mounting right-leaning tendency to ignore the Constitution. Our challenge is to preserve war renouncing Japanese Constitution and to protest against the move to jeopardize peace.

We are also facing a lot of other challenges caused by neo-liberal globalization. We believe that workers’ future will be opened up only by friendship and solidarity with all of you. We will continue to fight against any oppression of workers, violation of human rights, destruction of environment and war. We will appreciate it if you continue to support us.