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Japan Press Service Co., Ltd. is the only news agency providing information of progressive, democratic movements in Japan

JR West's new safety policy is inadequate: JCP

The Japanese Communist Party in the House of Representatives criticized the "safety plan" set out by West Japan Railway Company in the wake of a derailment as one of compromising safety by cutting costs by eliminating jobs.

Kokuta Keiji, a JCP representative, was speaking at the Lower House Land, Infrastructure and Transport Committee meeting on June 28 to urge the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport to review its policy.

Kokuta referred to JR West's "efficiency" plan (2004-2009) that calls for a personnel reduction of 5,000, including 900 for maintenance and 550 for electricity-related jobs. Under this plan allowing a 70 billion yen cost cut during 2003-2007 for JR-West, the railway company is expecting a huge profit, Kokuta pointed out.

A transport ministry official for railway services said that JR West tried to make the train schedule less tight and increase personnel for the Fukuchiyama-line that had the derailment. "Necessary changes are being made," he said.

Kokuta rebuffed, "The transport minister has warned against easing safety regulations, but safety will be compromised if the number of personnel is reduced. In fact, cost-reduction is being sought for sections that need safety measures, and outsourcing is prevalent in maintenance-related sections."

"The ministry must check safety measures in the public transport system," Kokuta stressed.

Minister Kitagawa Kazuo answered, "I've learned that JR-West is seeking rationalization and efficiency after completing safety-checks." -- Akahata, June 29, 2005