With 1,387 cases of Covid-19 detected in Japan, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and the International Olympic Committee have agreed to postpone the Tokyo 2020 Olympics for a one-year period.
In many parts of Japan, work on many construction sites has stopped, as building materials production and supply chains have been interrupted.
“As early as 6 March, Japanese construction union Zenkensoren requested the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism to take appropriate measures for workers on construction sites,” said Zenkensoren Secretary General Katsuno Keiji.
Similarly, UA Zensen demanded employment subsidies for workers and increased paid sick leave for workers. It also assisted site unions to ensure that workers’ wages are paid while on leave.
In response, the government made it easier for workers to access the said subsidies.