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Japanese unionists visit DC 37

A large delegation of union activists from the Japan Federation of Municipal Workers Union (JICHIROREN) paid District Council 37 a visit May 3 in an effort to learn more about their U.S. counterparts. JICHIROREN, Japan’s largest public-sector union, represents 200,000 employees from 30 municipalities who work at public transportation facilities, water and sewage treatment plants and government offices.

Led by their president, Yukihiro Nomura, the Japanese delegation was welcomed by DC 37 Associate Director Oliver Gray, who gave them a brief history of the union and answered questions from the delegation, and Field Operations Director Barbara Ingram-Edmonds.

“As a union that represents municipal workers in Japan, you probably struggle with some of the same issues that we struggle with here in New York City,” said Gray.

During their tour, the JICHIROREN group visited with several unions in other U.S. cities.

“We are very pleased with the reception we have received from our American brothers and sisters in the labor movement,” said Nomura.

After a question-and-answer session, the delegation presented gifts from Japan to their U.S. hosts.