International Nuclear Workers’ Union Network Holds Global Meeting in Tokyo, Japan to Address Energy Transformation and Social Pressure for Decarbonization
Thursday, March 27, 2025 – In the midst of growing geopolitical instability, the International Nuclear Workers’ Union Network (INWUN), coordinated by IndustriALL Global Union, convened its global meeting in Tokyo, Japan on March 25. The meeting provided a platform for trade unions to assess the current state of the nuclear sector worldwide and reinforce their role in shaping a just and secure energy transition.
In her opening address, IndustriALL’s Energy Director, Diana Junquera Curiel, presented an overview of the global energy landscape, highlighting the dominance of fossil fuels despite the increasing use of renewable sources. She also noted the growing interest in nuclear energy in several countries due to its potential to provide low-emission and reliable energy, while acknowledging the significant labor and social challenges it poses.
The meeting also discussed the recent momentum in nuclear development, with a cross-industry group-including global giants like Google, Amazon, and Meta, as well as 14 financial institutions, 140 nuclear companies, and 31 countries-committing to triple global nuclear capacity by 2050. This move is expected to meet the rising demand for electricity, particularly from energy-intensive data centers.
Kazuo Kawano, representing the Japanese union DENRYOKU SOREN, shared Japan’s approach to restarting reactors under stricter safety standards and rebuilding public trust following the 2011 Fukushima disaster. He also highlighted Japan’s investments in next-generation nuclear technologies and the restoration of its nuclear supply chain.
DENRYOKU SOREN President Moriya Mibu welcomed the international participants and emphasized the value of the exchange, which included a site visit to the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power station.
“Nuclear power is a technology that should be managed by democratic and human rights-oriented individuals,” Mibu stated, stressing the importance of maintaining international union dialogue.
The Ukrainian delegation reported on the harsh impact of war, which has resulted in occupied facilities, kidnapped workers, drone attacks, and continuous violations of international standards. Despite these conditions, Ukrainian unions continue to operate and represent workers.
Valery Matov, co-chair of IndustriALL’s nuclear sector, commented, “We have received confirmation that the nuclear sector is experiencing a new renaissance, and it is crucial to enhance information exchange between us, taking into account the current global situation. We would also like the uranium sector to receive a new boost for development. Many thanks to IndustriALL and our Japanese colleagues for this high-level meeting.”
Country presentations revealed diverse issues across regions:
– Argentina expressed concerns over threats of privatization, halted strategic projects such as RA-10 and CAREM, and the erosion of technological sovereignty.
– France highlighted its nuclear revival, with upcoming projects such as EPR2 and SMRs. The sector is expected to employ 100,000 workers by 2034, with unions calling for stronger protections around working conditions, training, and union representation.
– Mongolia outlined new regulatory frameworks to support peaceful nuclear development, leveraging its uranium reserves to attract international investment.
– South Africa addressed the complexity of replacing coal with cleaner and more reliable sources like SMRs.
– The United Kingdom reported a critical shortage of skilled labor, projecting a need for 160,000 workers by 2043. Funding gaps in decommissioning efforts are raising concerns about safety and job stability. Unions are demanding a national skills strategy and supply chain support.
– Spain reaffirmed its planned closure of all nuclear reactors between 2027 and 2035. However, power companies are lobbying for extensions, warning of potential electricity price hikes of up to 23% for households and 35% for industry if closures proceed as planned.
COMMEMORATION OF FUKUSHIMA NUCLEAR ACCIDENT
On March 26, delegates visited the Great East Japan Earthquake and Nuclear Disaster Memorial Museum in Fukushima and later stayed at J-Village, a sports complex repurposed as a nuclear response base following the 2011 disaster. The site has since been restored and symbolizes regional recovery.
The following day included a technical visit to the Fukushima Daiichi plant, where experts detailed ongoing decommissioning efforts, including waste management, contaminated water treatment, and the challenge of removing melted nuclear fuel-an unprecedented process expected to take 30 to 40 years. Approximately 880 tonnes of melted fuel remain inside reactors 1, 2, and 3.
The meeting concluded with a call to expand the INWUN network, include uranium mining unions, and strengthen collaboration between meetings. Urgent priorities identified include health and safety, youth training, and support for workers affected by plant closures.
This news story was distributed by https://pressat.co.uk/.