Thread by @JezebelKat

We the members of @Tozen_Union and the Japan Times General Workers Union chapter do present the "@japantimes Editors Open Letter" on editorial changes to reporting of issues related to both the so-called “comfort women” and wartime forced laborers. tokyogeneralunion.org/japan-times-ed…

We ask for the support of other media unions, our sisters and brothers in solidarity in @gmgunion, @bfnewsunion, and @HuffPostUnion to stand with us as we announce our grave editorial concerns.

The union strongly opposes these editorial changes. Both changes were pushed through with total disregard for the input of knowledgeable writers and editors, with zero advance notice, and the changes show a disturbing disregard for the mainstream historical record.

@japantimes is now perceived publicly as trying to downplay the suffering of the comfort women and forced laborers; of putting political considerations above fair, balanced and truthful reporting; and of toeing the Japanese government’s line for commercial gain.

The changes have harmed The Japan Times in terms of its reputation, and this has had a direct effect on JTGWU members’ working conditions, affecting everything from morale to working hours and stress levels.

The impact of the new editorial stance on perceptions of the paper’s integrity, as well as that of those who work there, has resulted in difficulties for staff writers and editors working with sources on stories, and in commissioning stories from outside contributors.

In collective bargaining, the JTGWU and Tozen have demanded a full retraction of the editorial policy changes as well as prior consultation on future changes of this magnitude.

The union has proposed that 1) The Japan Times apologizes for the Editor’s Note and reverts to the previous style on comfort women and wartime forced laborers; 2) that the JTGWU has representation on both committees involved in drafting such style changes in future; and

3) that the union be given one month’s notice for consultation before such changes are implemented in future, including the right to delay changes if the union feels they haven’t been properly discussed. The company has yet to agree to any of these proposals.

Taking these steps is vital to protect staff, their professional standing and the conditions under which they work...the integrity of @japantimes and the survival of the distinctive and important journalism it practices in an environment where #pressfreedom is under threat.