Key Facts
• Disaster safety drills exclude non-regular public employees, causing feelings of inequality.
• Non-regular employees make up 20% of municipal staff, vital to administrative operations.
• Two women in welfare roles for nearly 10 years report low pay (~$1,000/month) and lack of recognition.
• Hiroshima Prefecture’s safety drill system only includes regular employees, operational since 2012.
• 60% of surveyed non-regular employees reported no safety checks during disasters.
• “Voices” survey revealed disparities, such as helmets provided only for regular staff.
• Municipalities like Hiroshima City and Fukuyama exclude non-regular staff from disaster protocols.
• Experts stress the need for clear disaster roles and communication for non-regular employees.
• Non-regular employees feel undervalued, with no clear emergency contact protocols in some workplaces.
Summary
Non-regular public employees in Japan face exclusion from disaster safety drills, highlighting systemic inequalities. Despite comprising 20% of municipal staff and playing critical roles, they are often left out of emergency protocols. A survey by “Voices” found 60% of non-regular employees received no safety checks during disasters, with some reporting disparities like helmets only for regular staff. Hiroshima Prefecture and other municipalities limit disaster response systems to regular employees, citing operational roles. Experts call for clear communication and inclusion of non-regular staff in disaster plans to address their feelings of neglect and ensure effective public service during emergencies.
