A local court recommended Tuesday that 22 former Japanese workers at a U.S. naval base here and the government settle a damages suit over the workers' claim they developed lung problems due to insufficient workplace safety measures.
Presiding Judge Teruo Takayanagi of the Yokosuka branch of the Yokohama District Court recommended that the government, as their employer, pay about 300 million yen to the former workers, who are demanding a combined 489.5 million yen.
The workers have charged that the government failed in its responsibility to prevent pneumoconiosis, or black lung disease.
There are three court cases pending by former Yokosuka base workers demanding redress for the disease. The plaintiffs' lawyer said it is the first time a court has recommended a settlement in connection with the suits.