Japan's coal industry met its demise following a number of stages of restructuring under policies to change the structure of the energy industry. More than 200,000 coal mine workers were displaced from 1955 onward. The task of providing measures for displaced workers was recognized as an issue to be addressed at national level and such initiatives were considered to have considerable significance for the interests of society as a whole. This led to the development of substantial support systems of the kind not seen in other industries, and comprehensive measures were adopted to cover not only re-employment, but also relocation, housing, and vocational training.
In the light of the processes of restructuring in the coal industry noted above, this paper outlines how displaced coal mine workers found careers in other businesses and industries, and how the employment measures and support which were provided assisted them in doing so. This reveals the following two points. Firstly, although the Unemployment Insurance System for Displaced Miners (Black Notebook System) was developed to support displaced coal mine workers, fundamental issues were left unresolved, and as a result, support for displaced workers relied on the strength of individual companies and regional communities. Secondly, personal support founded on the unique culture of coal mining, in particular the sense of solidarity among workers, has compensated for the insufficiencies of the formal support systems. This support included not only financial assistance, but also individual support, such as individual counselling and employment assistance provided by former coal mine employees acting as counselors. The labor unions played a central role in developing these measures.
Edited excerpts from publication.
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