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Dear brothers and sisters, colleagues and friends,



On behalf of UNI Global Union, I send a message of support to all of our Japanese unions, members and families at this time of national catastrophe. We were shocked by the force of the earthquake and the devastation that this has brought to the north eastern and north Kanto region of your country.



I want you to know that the UNI Global Union family are thinking about you and express their deepest sympathy at the horrific consequences of this earthquake.



Since our World Congress in Nagasaki, in my travels around the world when I have asked about people’s reactions to the congress, their first observation has been about the warmth of the reception they received from the Japanese affiliates and the public. I am constantly asked about the red jacket volunteers and also reminded of basic acts of human friendship and kindness. Everyone who was in Nagasaki will never forget the experience.



Today the UNI family is in deep mourning for the people of Japan. We know that the qualities of resilience that you possess will lead Japan to recover from this tragedy. We know that you will work tirelessly to rebuild homes, communities and economic life. We know that you will support the families who have lost loved ones. We know that as a nation you will pull together. This spirit of solidarity will pull the nation through.



We will remain in constant communication with our Tokyo office. We are greatly relieved that our excellent team survived this catastrophe but we recognise that they, like all of you, are in a state of shock.



We are united with you in sadness. If there is anything that you would like UNI Global Union to do to help you in this moment of need, please do not hesitate to contact me.



Yours sincerely,

Philip J. Jennings

General Secretary