What is "JRU7" ?
What is "JRU7" ?
In November 2002, seven train drivers of the East Japan Railway Company
(hereinafter referred to as JRU7) were arrested on suspicion of “coercion.” They
merely conducted righteous union activities within their workplace, aiming at
protecting the unity of the union, which was ensured in the Constitution and the
ILO Convention. After 59 times of trials, on July 2007, the Tokyo District Court
sentenced JRU7 to guilt, with from one to two years’ imprisonment with
suspension of execution. JRU 7 immediately appealed to the High Court against
the judgment. On August 30, 2007, the East Japan Railway company dismissed six
of JRU7, ignoring the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. (One
has already resigned from the company before the case took place.) We are now
campaigning to get acquittal of JRU7 and to reinstate them to the company.
[ Development of the case ]
2001. Jan. The union began discussion with a member who refused to follow the union policy.
Feb. He seceded from JRU.
Jul. He resigned from the company.
Dec. The police launched an investigation.
2002. Early in the year The police got involved with the “victim” and drew up the “complaint report.”
Nov. The JRU7 were arrested and a large-scale search was conducted
simultaneously.
* 2003 to 2006 The
police intermittently conducted large-scale searches on JRU and JRU-related
facilities and union members.
2003 Aug. JRU filed a complaint with ILO.
Oct. JRU7 were granted bail after 344 days in detention.
2004 Nov. ILO issued recommendations to the Japanese government to abstain from violations of trade union rights.
2005 Mar. The Japan Federation of Bar Associations issued a warning letter to the Commissioner of the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department.
2007 Jul. The Tokyo District Court sentenced JRU7 to guilty, and JRU7 immediately appealed to the High Court.
Aug. The company dismissed JRU7