Sunday, December 12th, representatives of the General Union were proud to participate in an Osaka rally to condemn police repression of labor union activists.
Rentai Union Kan-Nama Branch (All-Japan Construction and Transport Workers’ Solidarity Union, Kansai Regional Ready-Mix Concrete Branch) has been subjected to an unprecedented crackdown by prefectural police in Osaka and Shiga Prefectures. Many of our fellow members have been arrested and re-arrested.
The General Union’s members met at Horie Park in Osaka to join up with several labor unions and other organizations – approximately 400 to 500 workers, children, and other friends and family. The day’s event was inaugurated with a passionate concert in support of imprisoned activists.
Afterward, participants marched through busy downtown Osaka at peak shopping hours, flanked by a speaker van and activists snapping pictures of the event! Afterward, organizers and participants stuck around downtown for greetings, thanks, and a few beers.
A big thanks goes out to General Union members able to attend, and we hope to see many of you – yes, you! – at similar events in the future!