Fukushima workers sue Tepco over unpaid hazard wages
Workers decommissioning Japan’s crippled Fukushima nuclear plant have sued its operator Tokyo Electric (Tepco) over unpaid hazard wages.
The four men are demanding about 65m yen (£375,000; $620,000) in extra pay.
They claim the compensation for removing contaminated debris and patrolling the plant has been inadequate given the risks involved.
It is the first time Tepco has faced legal action from Fukushima workers over pay and working conditions.
The Japanese utility company had no immediate comment.
“My health may be harmed some day,” one of the workers reportedly told Japanese broadcaster NHK. “I believe there are many people who can’t speak out about this kind of problem”.
The lawsuit claims that the subcontractors profit from the funds allocated for the decommissioning at the expense of worker wages.
The lawyer co-ordinating the case on behalf of the Fukushima workers said at least two more people were expected to join the lawsuit.
Source: bbc
