“Simultaneous firing at the age of 65” is not valid! – 5 dismissed non-regular workers protest

At the end of September 2011, all of 14,000 temporary postal workers of 65 years or older were simultaneously fired in all around Japan. Among them, five dismissed workers protested against the firing on December 9, all from the Tokyo Metropolitan area. They filed a complaint to the Tokyo District Court on the invalid firing and the working regulations in Japan Post providing the age of retirement for temporary employees as being antisocial and invalid. After filing, they held a press conference (photo). Some have worked long since before the privatization of the postal services, and some others were older than 65 when hired by Japan Post. Most of them have not been informed of the working regulations that specify the age of retirement at 65. Their contracts were automatically renewed every six months even when they became older than 65. This unilateral firing is caused by “deficits” according to the management of Japan Post, but it is totally unacceptable. The Postal Workers Union has expressed its support for the group of the plaintiffs. The group will invite more dismissed workers. (TADANO Dave) * Webpage of Postal Workers Union

郵政非正規「65歳一斉雇い止め」は無効だ！～5人の被解雇者が立ちあがる

この9月末、65歳以上の郵政期間雇用社員が一斉に「雇い止め」解雇された。その数全国で1万4000人に上る。これに対して12月9日、首都圏の5人の被解雇者が立ち上がった。解雇の無効と有期雇用社員に対して定年制を設けた就業規則そのものが反社会的であり無効であるとして、東京地裁に提訴した。提訴後、記者会見を開きそれぞれの想いを訴えた（写真）。民営化以前から長年働いてきた方もいれば、65歳を超えてから職場に採用された方もいる。65歳定年制を記した就業規則があることさえ周知されていない。そもそもこれまで65歳を超えても普通に半年ごとの契約更新をされてきたのである。赤字を理由とした一方的なリストラは許せない。郵政ユニオンも原告団を支援していくことを表明した。原告団は今後もその数を増やしていく予定。（多田野 Dave）・郵政ユニオンHP

Central Labour Relations Commission Orders Immediate Reinstatement of Mr. Shiota: Labor Win Again in the Hankyu Travel Support Case

Central Labour Relations Commission issued an order on November 29 regarding the unfair labor practice by the Hankyo Travel Support. The case is regarding Mr. Takuji Shiota, a tour conductor of the travel agency and the president of the HTS Local of the National Union of General Workers’ Tokyo Tobu, who was practically fired in 2009 by being suspended from the assignment for allegedly damaging the company's reputation with the interview he gave the "Weekly Kinyobi." The Hankyu Travel Support has been ordered 1) to lift the suspension and duly handle Mr. Shiota as the registered tour conductor and 2) to remunerate him with the estimated one-year salary he was supposed to have earned had he not been suspended. We, the NUGW Tokyo Tobu, urge the Hankyu Travel Support to seriously reflect their wrong doing that was condemned in the present order, following the one of the Tokyo Labor Commission in February this year, and have Mr. Shiota back in his job immediately. (By Sugano, the NUGW Tokyo Tobu)
Photo: Mr. Shiota, center, in the press conference in the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare after the release of the order

塩田さんをただちに職場に戻せ！～阪急トラベルサポートで中労委勝利命令

「週刊金曜日」の取材に応じたことで、阪急トラベルサポートより「アサイン停止」（事実上の解雇）を受けたＨＴＳ支部の塩田委員長の不当労働行為事件で、中労委は11月29日命令を交付した。内容は「（1）阪急トラベルサポートは、塩田さんに対して行ったアサイン停止を解除し、塩田さんを同社の登録派遣添乗員として取り扱わなければならない（2）阪急トラベルサポートは、塩田さんが就労していたならば受けるはずであった1年間分の賃金相当額を支払わなければならない」というもの。私たちは、都労委に続き中労委からも不当労働行為を断罪された阪急トラベルサポートに猛省を求めます。その上で、阪急トラベルサポートは塩田さんをただちに職場に戻すべきです。（東部労組・菅野）　＊写真＝命令を受けての記者会見・中央が塩田卓嗣さん（厚労省）

Pleading Held at the Supreme Court: High Court's Decision on the Kimigayo Case Likely to Be Reversed

Pleading session was held in the supreme court on November 28 for the case filed by Ms. Junko Kawarai and Ms. Kimiko Nezu. The teachers lost in the first and second trials of the suit to gain the annulment of reprimands, one-month and three-month suspension respectively, that they were given for refusing to stand up along the Kimigayo during school ceremonies in 2006, a memorial ceremony in January in the case of Ms. Kawarai and the graduation in March in the case of Ms. Nezu. Since pleading in the supreme court is held only when the judges are considering to reverse the lower court's ruling, it is likely that the supreme court will decide on the annulment of the disciplinary suspensions. The ruling is due on January 16, 2012. "I am delighted to have had the pleading in the supreme court after a series of unjust rulings. The issues of nuclear power plants and Kimigayo are rooted in a same problem existing in our society. We must go back to the basics now, " said Ms. Kawarai in the debriefing session after the pleading. Ms. Nezu said "It is now impossible to speak freely in educational institutions. I hope the forth-coming ruling will help change such a situation." (By Yumi Sasaki) Photo: The debriefing session with the lawyers (center)


最高裁、河原井・根津「君が代」裁判で弁論～停職処分みなおしへ

11月28日最高裁は、河原井・根津「君が代」裁判の弁論を開いた。原告の河原井純子さんは、2006年1月の記念式典、根津公子さんは3月の卒業式で「君が代」不起立をしたことに対する処分（河原井さん停職1ヶ月、根津さん停職3ヶ月）の取消を求めていたが、一審、二審とも敗訴していた。弁論は二審の判決を見直す場合に開くのが通例となっており、今回は停職処分の取消の最高裁判決が出る可能性が大きくなった。判決は来年の1月16日に出される予定。弁論後の報告会（写真）で河原井さんは、「あまりにも不当判決が続いたので、弁論が開かれたことは大きな喜び。原発も君が代も根っこは同じ。原点にたちかえるべき」と語り、根津さんは「教育現場ではものが言えない状態だ。おかしいことはおかしいと言えるようにこの判決が役立ってほしい」と語った。（佐々木有美）　＊写真＝弁論後の報告会（中央は弁護団）

Let's Pass on the Baton of Kunio Hamagushi!: Highly Successful Event on the Labourer-Poet

An event titled "Now We Talk about Kunio Hamaguchi" was held on November 23 in a meeting room of the Musashino Hall in Tokyo. The venue was full of 133 participants, far more than the organizers expected in advance. (photo) In the event, the works of the labourer-cum-poet were vividly depicted through recitation of poems including "Cleaning Latrines" and "Tale of the Hell" and talks by musicians and other authorities. In her speech, Poet Itsuko Ishikawa named three major topics that Hamaguchi's poems dealt with, i.e. Asia-Pasific War, National Railway workers and peace movement. "Those on the war are particularly mighty: They describe his own experience including stabbing of war prisoners to death and deaths of fellow soldiers out of starvation and thus unveiled the reality of the so-called holy war. The war made Hamaguchi, a man who previously was not at all interested in literature, into a poet. He was then raised by the poets' league of Japan National Railway," she said and urged the audience to hold tight to Hamaguchi's baton and hand on to the forth-coming generations the foolishness of the war. (By M) ・Three-minute video "Poems by Kunio Hamaguchi"


濱口國雄のバトンを引きつごう～労働者詩人・濱口國雄を語る集い、大盛況

11月23日、東京・武蔵野公会堂会議室で「いま濱口國雄を語る」というイベントが開催された。主催者の予想をはるかにこえた133人の参加があり、会場があふれた（写真）。会では「労働者詩人・濱口國雄」の詩の朗読（「便所掃除」「地獄の話」など）や音楽・関係者のトークで、濱口國雄の仕事が鮮烈に浮かび上がった。詩人の石川逸子さんは、「濱口の詩は（1）アジア太平洋戦争（2）国鉄労働者（3）平和運動の3分野があるが、とりわけ（1）の自身の戦場体験（捕虜の刺殺や仲間の饑餓死）を細部にわたって表現し、聖戦の実態を暴いた詩は強烈だった。文学に全く縁がなかった濱口を詩人にしたのは戦争で、育てたのが国鉄詩人連盟だった。私たちは濱口のバトンを引き継ぎ戦争の愚かさを次世代に伝えていこう」と訴えた。（M） ・3分ビデオ「濱口國雄の詩」

Celebrities Appeal against the Education Ordinance by Osaka Restoration Association

Celebrities including academics, authors and actors issued an appeal in November 2011, expressing their objection to the draft Fundamental Ordinance of Education that has been proposed to the Osaka prefectural assembly by the ruling party, Osaka Restoration Association. They are concerned that the proposed ordinance would impose a serious problem not only on the Osaka Prefecture but also on the whole nation. The appeal was originally called for by Ms. Kayoko Ikeda, Prof. Shogo Ichikawa, Prof. Naoki Ogi, Prof. Masatoshi Onoda, Prof. Yoichi Komori, Prof. Manabu Sato, Prof. Tetsuya Takahashi, Ms. Keiko Takeshita, Prof. Masaaki Noda and Prof. Hidenori Fujita. Supporters include Mr. Jiro Asada, Mr. Takashi Atoda, Prof. Takeshi Umehara, Mr. Yoichi Sai, Prof. Yoshikazu Sakamoto, Mr. Ryotaro Sugi and Ms. Kaoru Takamura.
The Appeal against the Fundamental Ordinance of Education of Osaka Prefecture

「大阪維新の会」の教育基本条例案に反対して、学者・俳優など著名人がアピール発表

研究者・俳優など著名人が「大阪維新の会」が大阪府議会に提案している教育基本条例案について、大阪にとどまらず日本社会全体にとって見過ごせない問題であるして反対アピールを発表した。呼びかけ人は、池田香代子・市川昭午・尾木直樹・小野田正利・小森陽一・佐藤学・高橋哲哉・竹下景子・野田正彰・藤田英典の各氏。賛同者として、浅田次郎・阿刀田高・梅原猛・崔洋一・坂本義和・杉良太郎・高村薫の各氏などが名を連ねている。 「大阪教育基本条例反対アピール運動」

"Get Rid of the Rule by Few! Get Rid of the Nuke Plants!" Satoshi Kamata Urged Workers

A workers' rally aiming for abolition of nuclear power plants organized by Japan Construction and Transport Industry Workers Solidarity Union, All Japan Dock workers' Union and the National Council of the National Union of General Workers was held on November 18 at Tamachi Kotsu Building in Tokyo. Mr. Satoshi Kamata, a well-known reportage writer, addressed the rally: "We who aim for a world without nuclear power plants are now in the middle of a fierce battle with those planning to restart the reactors currently at rest. We must work hard through to the victory. Only small parts of business community, politicians, academics and mass media are making profits out of nuclear power. An overwhelming majority of the population are against it, but they are not yet well organized into a political power. The nuclear power has been promoted as a national policy and politics can change the direction. Trade unions and activists must facilitate the change by turning people's will into a political power and leading the fight to liberate ourselves from the rule by few, the class struggle to break down the monopoly. To this end, it is important to make the movement easier for everybody to participate. Stop the complacency of the conventional movement with union flags. Seek for a new style. Be friendly to ordinary people so that they too can take part in the movement. Let's progress with our best efforts in actions such as 10 million signatures," he urged. (By M)


一握りの支配やめさせ脱原発へ～鎌田慧さん、労働者集会で檄とばす

11月18日、東京・田町交通ビルで「11.18脱原発を実現する労働者集会」が、全日建・全港湾・全国一般全国協の三組合の主催で開催された。ルポライターの鎌田慧さんが講演。鎌田さんは「いま脱原発か原発再稼働かのせめぎ合いのとき。手を抜かずに勝ち抜くときだ。原発利権をむさぼっているのは一部の財界・政治家・学者・マスコミの連中。国民の圧倒的大多数は原発反対である。しかしその力が政治化できていない。原発は国策だから、政治の力で簡単に“脱原発”に変えられる。いま労組や運動側がやらなくてはいけないことは、国民の力を政治化し、一握りの支配を脱していく闘いだ。これは独占を打ち破る“階級闘争”でもある。大事なことは、だれでも参加しやすい運動をつくること。従来型の赤旗を振って自分たちだけやっている気分になる“自己満足的運動”ではなく、腰を低くして、だれでも参加しやすい運動スタイルを追求することだ。1000万人署名など、これから本気で取り組もう」と熱く訴えた。（M）

Together We Open Co-Op Diner in Devastated Region—Anonymous Rescue Team

This is a call to support our effort to open co-op diner. We plan to open a diner that is managed by people of the devastated region; that is to operate as a community center as well as providing meals; that is to become a space open to anyone; that is to act as a place for volunteers to gather in between their work in the open-kitchen, visits to temporary housing and help in reconstruction efforts; that is to support locals rebuild their lives; and that aims to lead to other diners like it. The first one is to be run by staff members of former evacuation center at Shizugawa High School in Minami-sanriku. We will work together slowly but surely just as we cleared the debris. Please help us gather donation. Check Anonymous Rescue Team (Nanashi-no-Shinsaikyuendan) homepage. Photo: Open kitchen.

名無しの震災救援団」が呼びかけ～被災地に共同食堂を建設しよう！

「被災地に共同食堂を建設しよう」という呼びかけです。共同食堂のイメージは次の通りです。★被災者住民自らが運営していきます。事業体づくりをはかります。★食の提供とともにコミュニティセンターの役割をめざします。★社会的弱者・マイノリティーに開かれた場所をつくります。★炊きだし、仮設住宅訪問など救援・復興ボランティアの拠り所としていきます。★地域の協同した生活づくりを支援していきます。★第二、第三の「共同食堂」が被災地各地に広がっていくことをめざします。まず最初の共同食堂は南三陸町の旧志津川高校避難所スタッフが運営します。煉瓦をひとつひとつ積み上げるように被災地に共同食堂を一緒につくりましょう。「一煉瓦一万円基金」に参加してください。（名無しの震災救援団）・名無しの震災救援団HP　 　＊写真＝炊き出しの様子

‘We Need No Nuclear Power Plants’ Calls Surround METI—1,300 Gather in Rain

I joined the human chain action on Nov. 1 at the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. As I ran up the stairs from the subway station, people were listening into the speeches by Actor Taro Yamamoto. Following his speech was the song by a girl group. Police control around the subway entrance area was strict because of the ministry officials returning home after work, they said. Although the police kept tight guard, the number of participants continued to grow, leading to a complete human chain surrounding the METI building. With umbrellas and rain coats, we held the banners and candles, and made noise with instruments. Though in the cold rain, everyone was cheerful. Solidarity was confirmed as we held our hands tight. Raising our tightly-held hands, we chanted, “No More Nuclear Plants.” The voices of 1,300 echoed in the rainy night, when only the lights from the METI building it the human chain. By Y.

「原発はいらない」の声に包まれた経産省～雨のなか1300人が参加

11月11日「たそがれの経産省キャンドル包囲・人間の鎖アクション｣に参加した。駅の階段を駆け上がると、集まった人々は宣伝カーからの発言に耳を傾けていた。マイクを握っているのは俳優の山本太郎さんのようだ。続いておなじみ制服向上委員会の歌が始まった。東京メトロ・霞が関駅の出入り口付近では、特に警官による規制が目立つ。退庁の通勤者を通させることを口実にして、やかましい警告を繰り返している。しかし、そんな警備陣の努力も空しく、参加者は増え続けた。そして圧倒的な包囲の輪が形成された。傘を差し、カッパを着て、ゼッケンを首から垂らし、横断幕を広げ、キャンドルを持ち、楽器を打ち鳴らした。寒さのなかで立ち続ける人々の表情は明るく、あちこちで連帯の会話が交わされていた。つないだ手はしっかりと握られ、そしてかけ声とともに高々と掲げられた。「原発はいらない」－1300人の叫びが、冷たい雨をはね返した。省内から漏れる光が、参加者の固い決意を照らしていた。（報道部・Ｙ）・写真（様々な表現）

More Than 300 Gather at Rally to Support JAL Unfair Layoff

Japan Airlines Co. laid off 165 employees at the end of last year. Of that, 148 filed a lawsuit and revealed how the company abruptly terminated their employment ignoring the four requirements to execute restructuring. The rally was held on Nov. 7 to support the struggles of JAL employees (See photo) in Tokyo’s Bunkyo Ward. Total of 381 people gathered in support, including 68 crew and 313 trade unionists and others. The rally kicked off with a song of “We Shall Return to That Very Sky (Ano Sora e Kaero),” followed by lectures on the meaning of JAL struggles by the lawyers and proposal of the support network by the director. At the end, various support groups sent solidarity messages. (By NUGW Tokyo Tobu)

300名を超える結集でJAL不当解雇撤回「支える会」結成集会

昨年の大晦日、日本航空（JAL）は不当にも165名の労働者を解雇しました。その後、148名が裁判闘争に決起し、裁判などを通じ、「整理解雇の四要件」を無視したJALの乱暴なやり方が明らかにされてきました。このような中、11月7日、「不当解雇とたたかう日本航空労働者を支える会」（支える会）結成集会が文京区民センターで開催されました（写真）。乗員・客室乗務員原告68名、様々な労働組合・団体から313名、合計で381名の結集で会場は満員、熱気あふれる集会となりました。集会は、「あの空へかえろう」の合唱でスタート。裁判担当の山口弁護士から現在裁判の状況の報告、「支える会」の代表世話人に就任した日本労働弁護団会長宮里弁護士から「JAL闘争の意義」と題したミニ講演、柚木「支える会」事務局長から「支える会」の今後の運動方針の提起を受け、支援団体からの連帯発言と続きました。（東京東部労組）

Evacuees by Choice Shall Be Compensated—Rights Rally in Tokyo

Some 200 people gathered in Tokyo’s Bunkyo Ward on Nov. 5 (See photo) to discuss the rights of the people who chose to evacuate from the areas not officially designated by the government. The Japanese government has not compensated the people who evacuated from outside of the 20 km zone. The evacuees by choice, however, have also been forced to live in financial difficulties and separation from families. Their rights to live have been violated. The participants at the rally called the committee to resolve disputes relating to nuclear disaster for resolution at an earlier date. People who are left behind in Fukushima Prefecture are also still suffering. Residents of Iitate and Watari district of Fukushima City also spoke of their troubled situation. (By Masanori Yumoto) See video on YouTube.

今すぐ「自主的避難者」への賠償を！～避難の権利集会 in東京

11月5日、「避難の権利集会in東京」が文京区民センターで開かれ、200名が集まった（写真）。日本政府は、震災後、「避難区域（基準は20mSv/年）」の外から避難した人たちに対して何の支援、賠償策を示していない。「自主」避難した人々は、避難先で経済的な労苦、家族との別離等、生存権が侵され続けているのだ。集会では、やっと動き出した「原子力損害賠償紛争審査会」が1日も早く具体策を講じることの必要性が「自主避難者」から強く訴えられた。また、同時に福島に残された人々も悲惨な状況下にある。飯舘村・福島市渡利地区からの報告が続いた。（湯本雅典）・動画（YouTube）