Posted: Wednesday, 15 June 2011

Canadian workers donated more than $32,000 to help Japanese victims of the massive 9.0 earthquake and tsunami that struck the northeast coast of Japan in March. The Canadian Labour Congress raised the funds to support the relief activities of the Japanese Trade Union Confederation’s (RENGO) disaster relief task force. An estimated 13,116 people were killed and more than 14,000 people are still considered missing since the disaster struck.

Upon grasping the tremendous extent of the catastrophe, RENGO and their affiliates immediately set up a disaster relief task force. In cooperation with the government’s emergency disaster response, RENGO organized rescue volunteer parties comprised of union members to support victims and set up six bases in the three most afflicted prefectures of Iwate, Miyagi and Fukushima.

RENGO recently reported that most of the highways have been reopened in the disaster-stricken areas, making distribution of commodities easier. It will take some time for restoration and rebuilding the directly affected areas. RENGO’s volunteer activities will continue until September with more than 50,000 volunteers contributing to the overall relief effort. During this time, RENGO will also continue its fundraising campaign.

Immediately after the disaster, RENGO demanded that the government promptly implement emergency support measures for the victims. RENGO is now calling on the government to create restoration programmes and other measures, such as employment and support for business reconstruction.

In a recent statement, RENGO President Nobuaki Koga thanked the international trade union community for their support and solidarity. “Many of the people who have lost their families, their friends and their properties are struggling to overcome their grief and have taken a step toward putting their lives back in order. However, more supports are clearly still needed. It is now the time to extend solidarity. In solidarity, we can find a hope.”

The Canadian Labour Congress will continue to accept donations for RENGO until September.