1. Are Homeless People Still Employed in Nuclear Reactor Cleaning?
There appears to be evidence that homeless individuals are still employed for nuclear reactor cleaning tasks, as described below.
1-1. A Long-standing Issue
For over 30 years, homeless people and socially vulnerable individuals have reportedly been recruited for dangerous jobs at nuclear power plants.
1-2. Recent Cases
Around 2013, it was confirmed that labor recruiters were sending homeless individuals to work in decontamination efforts at Fukushima.
1-3. Ongoing Concerns
Unless structural issues like labor shortages and complex subcontracting are resolved, this problem could potentially persist.
1-4. Possible Strengthening of Regulations
Due to this issue coming to light, regulations may have been tightened; however, it’s unclear if the issue has been completely resolved.
1-5. Lack of Transparency
Large amounts of tax money are still allocated to decontamination work in Fukushima, yet the specifics of its use remain unclear.
While it is uncertain if such practices continue today, given past incidents and unresolved structural issues, this matter warrants ongoing attention.
2. Reasons Homeless People Are Employed
There are several perceived reasons why homeless individuals are employed in nuclear reactor cleaning tasks:
2-1. Securing a Workforce
Due to the hazardous and grueling nature of the work, it’s challenging to recruit from the regular labor market.
2-2. Low Costs
Homeless people, as socially vulnerable individuals, are often more likely to accept low wages.
2-3. Ease of Exploitation
With fewer social and legal protections, homeless individuals may be more readily forced to accept harsh labor conditions.
2-4. Disposable Workforce
Following high-radiation exposure, workers may be dismissed and replaced with new ones.
2-5. Complex Subcontracting Structures
A multi-layered subcontracting structure makes accountability unclear, allowing exploitative hiring to be concealed.
2-6. Hope for Social Reintegration
Some homeless individuals hope to re-enter society by finding work and may agree to such recruitment offers.
2-7. Use as Ready Labor Force
Some experienced workers are rehired under aliases, allowing them to be immediately utilized.
Over the years, these factors have led to homeless individuals being employed in nuclear reactor cleaning.
Such labor practices not only violate human rights but also pose serious concerns regarding labor safety.
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