Japanese Tranpsort Workers letter t

[osolnick@xxxxxxxxxxxx]

Subject: Japanese Tranpsort Workers letter to Japanese Labor Minsiter

Mr. Akira Amari

Labour Minister

Minsitry of Labour

1-2-2 Kasumigaseki

Chiyoda-ku

Tokyo 100-8988

JAPAN


8 September 1999


Dear Mr. Amari,


<bold><bigger>Democratization of Burma and Support for Trade Unions

</bigger></bold>

Representing some 500,000 transport workers, the International Transport
Workers' Federation's Japanese Affiliates Coordinating Committee(ITF-JCC)
<bold><bigger>notes</bigger></bold> that the ITF has long been supporting
the activities of Seafarer's Union of Burma(SUB) in exile, since no
democratic and autonomous trade unions are allowed to operate in Burma,


<bold><bigger>Further notes</bigger></bold> that the 87th ILO General
Assembly adopted an emergency resolution to criticize the Burmese
Government, in connection with the deep regret expressed by the
Application of Standards Committee because the Government did not comply
with the recommendation on the forced labour in Burma,


<bold><bigger>Expresses</bigger></bold> deep deploration regarding the
continued breach on the basic trade union rights and forced labour by the
SPDC of Burma and strongly demands the immediate restoration of democracy
based on the result of the general election of 1991, in line with
people's aspirations for free and democratic trade unions and social
systems,


<bold><bigger>Noting</bigger></bold><bigger> </bigger>that 18 September
1999 marks the 11th anniversary since the military regime, the ITF-JCC
requests you to review the present provision of the ODA and other
financial aid programs which will enhance the present regime of Burma and
further <bold><bigger>requests</bigger></bold> the Japanese government to
exercise its international influence in support of the Burmese workers
and people who are seeking the protection and promotion of basic human
and trade union rights.



Yours sincerely,




Kazumaro Suzuki

Chair