American, Japanese autoworkers forge global solidarity

In Japan, just as in the United States, autoworkers face the challenge of decreasing domestic production and increasing imported vehicles from countries such as China and Korea.

“When you see that Japanese workers also face the potential of China and Korea entering the market in the next five years, you realize there is a lot that we have in common,” said UAW Vice President Terry Thurman, who directs the union’s National Organizing Department. “We always knew that common issues existed, but as we talk, we realize the list is growing.”

Last August when Thurman and UAW President Ron Gettelfinger traveled to Tokyo to visit with leaders representing Japanese autoworkers, the meeting marked a significant step for global solidarity.

The Confederation of Japan Automobile Workers’ Unions (JAW) and the UAW further cemented that relationship at a Feb. 16 meeting in Detroit.

Union leaders from both countries say this is just the beginning.

“We were very pleased with the wonderful reception we received when we visited Japan, and we were happy to have JAW officials visit with us at Solidarity House,” Gettelfinger said.

The visits and the talks, Gettelfinger added, show “we need each other in this global economy.”

The dialogue, which Gettelfinger began before his Japan trip, has progressed from each organization learning about the other’s structure and operations to discussions about mutual concerns and the power of international solidarity.

“It is of vital importance that we are able to see the common denominators not just in the automotive industry but beyond,” said JAW President Yuji Kato. “We are seeing so much affecting workers everywhere, and Japan is no exception.”

Formed in 1972, the JAW represents about 705,000 workers with companies including Toyota, Mitsubishi, Nissan and Honda.

Just as UAW workers face job loss because of an eroding manufacturing base and unfair trade, Japanese workers say Americans are not alone. A chief concern is the threat that the number of vehicles made in Japan soon will lose pace with vehicles made in other countries.

JAW members said they’re also adjusting to global forces that dictate the type of vehicles being built.

Japanese unions also are turning to new organizing campaigns to help build membership and give more workers a voice in the workplace.

JAW membership reached a peak of 830,000 in 1994; in 2004 it dropped to 699,000. Though there have been recent increases, the JAW is looking for further growth by organizing Japan’s part-time and temporary autoworkers.

Just as the UAW supports national legislation such as the Employee Free Choice Act and calls for policies on a universal single-payer health care system, Japanese workers are also becoming more politically active.

Said the JAW’s Kato, the union is turning to politics to “deal with the tax system, labor legislation and other challenges that cannot be resolved within the framework of industrial relations.”

This “expanded dialogue between the UAW and the JAW has elevated the relationship to a higher place,” Kato said.

“The UAW has a bigger way of thinking, and that thinking goes beyond the borders.”

Sandra Davis