From our comrades in Japan

Mar 18, 2011News

The RTBU has strong and enduring ties with Japan’s Rail Union – the JREU. The JREU is playing an active role supporting its members to cope with the disaster. The NSW Loco Division sends our deepest condolences to our Japanese comrades during this traumatic time.

Below you can read an update to the RTBU from the JREU, as well as a very moving diary account from a JREU member of the impact of days 3 and 4 of the disaster …

Dear all

Situation of damages by huge earthquake and tsunami in Japan is getting

worse and worse as we getting to know more and more. “Once in a thousand

years’ disaster” said an expert.

Three powerful quakes occurred almost at once along the coast of Tohoku

area. So, the strong quake continued for long time and the tsunami came very

quickly.

Communication and transportation system are partly destroyed in devastated

area, so, we have not grasped the whole damage yet. JREU HQs dispatched

executives there to investigate.

Today, because of shortage of electric power more than half of train

services were canceled in metropolitan and east Japan area. Shinkansen lines

to Tohoku cannot be operated since the earthquake. It will be stopping for

weeks.

Membership of JREU is about 4,700 working in East Japan Railway. We are

making every effort to ensure the safety of our members and engaging restore

and rescue operations.

Thank you for your solidarity

Massa Takahashi

“I will be never beaten” – Diary of Member from JREU in Mito

The 3rd Day of the evacuation life on 13 March started. After waking up I went to my mom’s home where she lived alone. She was clearing clothes, bedclothes, futon and foods as usual. Then we left home, she drove her car.

On the way I dropped in the Nishiuchs’ house, my friend, his wife and two kids were alright but I was surprised when I heard the order of evacuation alert from the nuclear plant blast risk in this area. Then I visited my aunt’s house nearby. She gave me futon, towels and other commodities.

After I returned to my family I took my kids caught cold to the hospital. My health insurance proof was gone to the ocean with my house but a kind doctor took care of them without money and proof.

I met the deputy GM and a foreman of my depot to ensure the safety of employees. They said one train conductor was missing at that time.

Oh my god! When I can supply gasoline to my car? I wonder when the authorities will build temporary housing for us. Tomorrow I should clear my thought. Still shaking by aftershock, I am worrying about accident of nuclear power plant. Bear up, anyway!

Today on 14 March, facility of Fukushima nuclear power reactor exploded. This is third time and critical. We feel fear for exposing radiation even in Tokyo.

At 6am I woke up and went to the place where my house existed. I cannot see anything remained except for foundations of house. Land is covered with a lot of debris and mud. Main road cleared by bulldozer. I cannot see the future.

I got to know that officers from JREU HQs and Tokyo district Office came to Mito area to relief. Each branch in Mito district also takes relief activities for our members. On the other hand a column in today’s Asahi newspaper said “Japan Rail stations shut its door and we cannot enter. As passengers are waiting for bus in the cold outside air JR should open the door and let them in. Formal apology announces of JR is useless”. I agree to him but I guess at the moment staffs of the JR station are also in severe situation. However, I’d like to make the JR East Company to one respected by the public.

This shelter accommodates over 900 people. Evacuees seem to increase.

In solidarity,

Massa Takahashi