Prime minister Shinzo Abe bows to plaintiffs involved in a lawsuit over government tunnel construction during a meeting in Tokyo on June 18. KYODO PHOTO

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe expressed his sympathy as he met with about 20 of the former workers at his Official Residence and promised a swift resolution.

"Four years have passed since the lawsuit was filed and I believe you must have gone through a lot of hardship," Abe said.

After the meeting, Abe told reporters, "I would like to make necessary revisions to the current system and implement concrete measures in a visible manner," providing no details.

Some 970 plaintiffs have filed damages suits with 11 district courts since November 2002. The Tokyo District Court and four others have found the government negligent and ordered official compensation.

Under the settlement, the government will take tougher preventive measures against pneumoconiosis, including making it mandatory to assess the density of dust at tunnel construction sites and shortening work hours.

In return, the plaintiffs will give up the right to claim a combined ¥3.2 billion in damages for their suffering.

Many of the plaintiffs worked at tunnel sites for railroads, highways and dams during the nation's rapid economic growth.

They either lost their jobs after developing the disease or became ill after retiring.

Pneumoconiosis is an occupational disease usually contracted by prolonged exposure to dust, which hardens and kills cells in the lungs.

The Japan Times Weekly: June 23, 2007
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