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Japanese Electrical Workers Visit International Office

January 6, 2009

In early December, 28 trade union leaders, representing workers at Japan’s Chubu Electric Power Co., visited the International Office as part of the company’s thirty-first annual overseas study tour.

Hosted by Liz Shuler, Executive Assistant to President Edwin D. Hill, Political/Legislative Department Director Brian Baker and International Representatives from the Utility and Membership Development Departments, the guests inquired about the conditions and challenges faced by U.S. electrical workers.

“Through our exchanges, we can learn some lessons,” said Mitsuhiko Yoshikawa, vice president of the Chubu Electric Power Workers’ Union, representing 15,000 workers at 10 electric power facilities covering five of the nation’s 47 prefectures, or districts.

Ranging from 11 to 30 years of seniority, the visiting delegation comprised all phases of the industry, from engineers to customer service representatives and linemen. 

The pressure of long hours and forced overtime has contributed to growing incidence of mental health problems and a rising suicide rate, said the visitors, who belong to the nationwide Federation of Electric Power Workers Unions.  Mitsuhiko, who says that the federation is working to increase its membership, showed strong interest in the IBEW’s regional organizing councils and recent successes in membership development.

“It’s always a pleasure to compare notes with electrical unionists from other nations,” says Shuler.  “We have much to learn from each other, despite the differences. “