Japan Press Weekly

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2012 May 16 - 22 [WELFARE]

151 former tunnel workers seek compensation for lung disease

On May 17, 151 former tunnel workers suffering from work-related lung disease, pneumoconiosis, along with bereaved family members filed cases seeking compensation for damages in 11 local courts nationwide.

This is the fourth filing of a lawsuit in their behalf since the first was filed in 1997. The number of plaintiffs so far totals 2,881, and 2,000 of the total have reached court settlements.

In July 2007, a lawsuit between the state and patients was settled, and the state promised to strengthen prevention measures for the occupational disease.

However, hampered by major construction companies, a law and funds for pneumoconiosis compensation that the patients have been fighting for has not yet been established.

A 72-year-old plaintiff said, “Most of my fellow workers have already passed away. I think an appropriate compensation of the disease should be provided to whoever deserves it without having to put up with years of trial proceedings.”