200,000 boats involved in strike action

Japanese fisherman went on a major one-day strike on 15 July 2008 to protest increasing fuel prices. The strike, which included more than 200,000 boats and at least 400,000 workers, was reportedly the largest strike ever experienced in the fishing industry. Approximately 3,000 fishermen gathered in central Tokyo and marched toward the fisheries ministry. The National Federation of Fisheries Cooperative Associations sponsored the strike, demanding that the government provide tax breaks on fuel and other forms of financial support in order to ensure the longevity of the fishing industry.