Higher Education

Osaka Gaigo branch holds half-day strike

On May 25th 2006 some of the members of the Osaka Gaigo branch held a half-day strike. We were joined by supporters from other branches and other unions, and had a very good turnout. Spirits were high. We appreciate the support of everyone who turned out. It seems that Gaigo was quite taken by surprise by the strike, despite being warned in advance. They have said "no" to us many times with few consequences, but this time our people are really upset and the result was our first ever strike.

SAC Branch Survey Results

Many respondents were interested in shakai hoken for part-timers. In this regard, Japanese law does not differentiate between full- and part-time workers.

University in Kyoto settles hiring muddle

One member had an interview at a university in Kyoto, and was offered the job, but the offer was later withdrawn as it was realised that he did not have the necessary qualifications (even though he had explicitly pointed this out in his resume).

Working conditions in free fall at Osaka Gaigo.

Two rounds of negotiations and numerous informal meetings have been held with OGSG since May, but have proved fruitless. In the past year incomes have been cut and class-loads for contract full-timers have been increased. The second semester saw part-time teachers losing an average of two-classes per week without prior notice.

Kyoto Seika Daigaku

In the last issue of the e-news we reported on a University in Kyoto which was planning to arbitrarily change part-time lecturers' contracts to their disadvantage. We are happy to report that after all the teachers joined the union, and a show of solidarity, Kyoto Seika Daigaku, has pulled back from the changes, for now.

February 2005 University Roundup

from the February 2005 National Union Voice

Nagoya : Institute of Technology

As part of its privatisation restructuring plan, Nagoya Institute of Technology is non-renewing part-timers en masse, Japanese and foreign at the end of March.