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Solidarity Vehicles Drive Towards a United Labour Movement

Published: 16 July 2012
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 In a simple but meaningful ceremony, three Solidarity vehicles, fully equipped for the physically challenged, were handed over to the President of the Miyako Social Welfare Council in Japan by Brother Kiyoshi Ochiai, Chairperson of UNI-LCJapan on behalf of UNI, UNI Apro and especially UFCW as part of the contribution from trade union members all over the world in response to the earthquake and tsunami of March 11, 2011.



The Solidarity vehicles will be used by the Iwate welfare council to assist the physically challenged in carrying out their daily activities. This gift was deeply appreciated by the community which had lost many lives and suffered untold damages to their property when the tsunami hit. The town of Iwate was chosen to receive the vehicles as many trade union volunteers have visited Iwate to assist local residents and to clear rubble and debris leftover from the tsunami's destruction.



The gift of Solidarity Vehicles was made possible with UFCW's contribution to the rebuilding funds. Japanese affiliates decided that the money would be best used to purchase solidarity vehicles for the community to help people who need special assistance. Surplus funds were used to purchase walkie-talkies and educational interactive equipment for children.



UFCW was unable to attend the presentation ceremony but UFCW President UFCW, Joe Hansen, sent a heartfelt message on behalf of the union expressing support for unions in Japan and those affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake. He recalled how sister unions in Japan had given their generous support when UFCW held a prolonged strike in 2003.
Bro Kiyoshi Ochiai in his opening speech recalled the tragedy of the Great East Japan Earthquake but praised the tenacity and speed of the Japanese, especially the trade union movement, in responding quickly and in organizing the largest volunteer teams under the RENGO to provide assistance to the affected areas regularly for 6 months.



The solidarity response from outside Japan especially from the trade union movement had provided them the strength to go through the challenges. It is heartwarming that union brothers and sisters always pull through for one another when tragedy strikes or when faced with difficult times - even when they are oceans apart.



The people in Miyako are thankful for the immediate response and help provided to their community particularly so this winter. They are currently experiencing a very difficult time with their electricity being cut off and the lack of food and basic necessities. However, with help from Japan and abroad, the rebuilding exercise is now almost 100% completed in Miyako. The gift to the community by UFCW, UNI and UNI Apro will always be treasured said Kazuo Tobisawa, President of Miyako Social Welfare Council.



In the presentation of the vehicles, Bro. Ochiai passed a key to the Miyako Social Welfare Council. (see first picture above)



Bro Christopher Ng, UNI Apro Regional Secretary, felt honored to witness the positive and heartwarming spirit of the Japanese citizens as well as to observe the progress in the rebuilding and rehabilitation of tsunami-hit areas. He was in Sendai earlier this year and was able to compare the improvements since then. Christopher observed the strong solidarity and positiveness, evidence that the Japanese people has come together stronger now than ever. He also shared the touching story of disadvantaged people in Aceh who had sourced and scrimped really hard in order to contribute towards rebuilding Japan. Aceh experienced a similar disaster caused by a tsunami in 2004.



The ceremony was participated by more than 100 people including UNI Apro, UNI-LCJapan, Japanese affiliates, local RENGO and trade union leaders as well as Miyoko Social Welfare Council and the community.