ECC And Berlitz Members Win Big In 2018! Let's Do It Again In 2019!
While collective bargaining took much longer than usual at these two workplaces, we were able make significant gains at both workplaces.
At ECC, bargaining focussed on four main demands: an across the board pay increase for all members; pay for special paid congratulatory and condolence leave; the return of the union's right to talk to new teachers at company orientation sessions; and the return of the company's rent subsidy for the ECC branch office.
Is The "New" NOVA Regressing?
Could it be that - about 25 years after NOVA teachers joined the General Union and fixed NOVA's paid holiday problem - the "new" NOVA is regressing to an evolutionary form that preceeds even the "old" one?
We received a call the other day from a NOVA instructor asking how much notice they have to give in order to use a paid holiday.
While there isn't always a black and white answer, the basic principle when it comes to these kinds of things is that paid holidays belong to the employee as an indisputable legal right.
Working At NOVA? We'll Tell You What NOVA Won't About Unlimited Term Contracts
As you might know, as of April 1st, 2018, those employed at the same employer for over five years (as of any contract signed on or after April 1st, 2013), can apply to have their limited-term contract converted into an unlimited-term contract.
This means that once you apply, the employer must accept it - and when you sign the NEXT contract, there is no longer an end date (e.g. you change from a one-year contract to an unlimited-year contract).
You can read more about the limited- to unlimited-term contract conversion process in our extensive Q&A on the topic: The Labor Contract Law Amendment Q&A
Don't Beg For A Good Evaluation - Join The Union And Negotiate Your Pay!
For years, the General Union has argued that pay increases based on evaluations is a rigged system. After all, how could the system not be rigged against the employee when the people doing the evaluating (i.e. the company) are the very same people who also have to pay the increase you get?
Berlitz's latest memo is a prime example of this in action: Berlitz has an evaluation system in place - but this year, because of their financial situation, they want to change it to a much worse system.
Is Schedule Flexibility At Risk At Gaba?
Instructors at Gaba have always been able to submit their schedules for times they would like to work and have them approved and made available for clients to book without impediments. This flexibility is one of the main reasons why many people choose to work at Gaba.
This seems to have changed since the implementation of the new booking system at the beginning of 2018.
Schedules have been rejected and instructors are now being asked or directed to submit schedules for times they do not wish to work.
Nichibei Eigo Gakuin Teachers & Okayama Bus Drivers Have A Lot In Common
So what do Nichibei Eigo Gakuin teachers and Okayama bus drivers have in common? Thinking outside the box!
When we hear of industrial action we usually think of strikes. In reality though, it can take many different forms, and be just as effective.
AEON's Trickery And The "20,000 Yen Fixed Overtime Allowance"
AEON teachers work some of the longest hours in all of the main eikaiwa schools in Japan.
In general, many of the teachers who we speak to don't mind these hours as they are paid a little more than at other schools and often get to do a variety of different jobs throughout the day.
At least, this was the case until the recent announcement by AEON that teachers will have their base salaries cut by 15,000 yen per month.
General Union And NUGW Tokyo Nambu Enter Joint Negotiations At British Council
Here's a follow up on our recent successes at ECC where the General Union joined forces with members at our sister union NUGW Tokyo Roso.
Union members at British Council are locking arms across unions to win improvements in their working conditions.
ECC Strike Postponed
ECC STRIKE POSTPONED
ECC branch members are currently considering an offer from the company.
Gaba: Instructors Views On The New Schedule Submission System
The General Union has sent correspondence to Gaba about the new schedule submission system, and will hear back on April 16th.
In the meantime, here are a few of the many responses we received from instructors to our anonymous instructor survey:
"Gaba is still enticing new instructors to join the company with the promise of flexibility in their schedules, which is no longer the case."
More Articles...
- Injuries And Compensation At Gaba
- Gaba Instructor Schedule Survey
- Latest Nova Court Update - February 20
- Harassed By A Student At Gaba?
- Do The "Six Minute NOVA Hustle"
- ECC Members Prepare For Action
- Gaba Corporation Meets General Union's Demands - Client Blocking Procedure Published
- Gaba And Coco Juku To Merge
- Sexual Harassment From Clients At Gaba Corporation
- Improvements For Hourly-Paid Employees At The British Council
