Nathan H. (Branch Chair)

I joined the Union to pay my dues, meaning that the Union got me shakai hoken, and it was time to pay the Union back for what it got me.

I started to learn that a lot of the things I may have taken for granted, like paid holidays, social insurance, and pay increases, were a direct result of Union work.

I joined and didn't just sit back - I wanted to be an active part to help others.

I wanted to listen and learn, and through negotiations, bargaining, and strikes, I see that it is possible to make a difference by standing together as a workforce.

I try to know as much as I can about every member of our branch, and I truly care about them all; their difficulties, their health, and their families.

I feel honored to represent them and will do so to the best of my abilities.

Alexis M. (Chubu)

I joined ECC just last year (2017). I’m from Canada and being a part of a union was a no brainer for me. At all my previous jobs in Canada, you’re automatically enrolled in your union.

I was surprised when I had to find out from colleagues that ECC does in fact have one.

In Canada, I’ve held positions on collective bargaining units both for my university and employer. I know the work and dedication that goes into being a part of a union and I want to make working conditions and pay fair for all.

I’m mostly interested in representing the new 35 hour contract teachers and make some positive changes.

Andrea M. (Kinki)

I have been teaching at ECC since early 2017.

I am a strong supporter of worker's rights and feel that joining the Union makes a tangible, positive difference to working conditions.

I hope that during my time on the Executive Committee, I will be able to represent my peers and negotiate change.

We are stronger together.

Chris P. (Kinki)

I’m from Britain. Joined ECC in 1991. Joined the union in 2014. Have taught all kinds of classes, especially Senka, worked in the textbook writing department, and was Senka coordinator for 17 years.

In 2017 the company suddenly dissolved the Senka coordinator position, leaving me with a significant salary cut.

The union stepped in, and with the support of all our members, we were able to resolve the issue. Without the union we have no countering voice.

With the union we can stand up for ourselves and fight for some fairness, security, and parity.

That’s why I’m a member.

Dory C. (Kinki)

Though I don't have a long history with unions, I came to the company hearing about all the union has done for employees.

When the bottom line is profit, unions are essential in protecting worker rights. Though the union exists for the workers, I've found many people have gone through things they shouldn't have because they weren't aware of their rights.

The union exists to protect workers from struggling alone, and it's essential for the future.

Fred H. (Chubu)

Born in raised in California, I came to Japan to work with ECC in 2016 and joined the General Union shortly thereafter.

I joined ECC primarily because its working conditions and other benefits outshine those of its competitors; and I was pleasantly surprised to learn that a lot of what made it a competitive company to apply for a job with was due to the efforts of the General Union.

In addition, I discovered that some of the most passionate and helpful instructors in the company were proud union members.

Because of all that, I reject the old line that unions hurt the success and profitability of companies - unions are one of the only checks that guarantee a company retains its dignity and dedication to quality service and motivated workers.

James S. (Chubu)

As a long-time employee of ECC, I have seen firsthand the positive impact that the Union has made.

I have seen us function not just as a focused group for negotiating with the company, but also a personal support group and information center for our members as they deal with life in a different culture.

The value of that kind of security can't be underestimated.

Jeremy P. (Kinki)

I've had jobs in several industries and the difference between industries with a strong union or a weak one is huge.

I joined the General Union because a strong union is the only way to guarantee fair working conditions and treatment for employees.

Joe G. (Kinki)

I'm from the U.S. and I've worked at the same school in Japan for over 10 years.

I joined the union because I wanted to ensure teachers' at my workplace were being treated with reasonable amounts of respect and dignity, and to help create a better workplace for myself and my co-workers.

Micah G. (Kinki)

I'm from the US and started at ECC as teaching staff in March of 2017. ECC is my day job - my (late) night job is as a practicing corporate attorney.

I have worked for a few large companies in the US, but have whittled my practice down to just one business owned by friends (and various one-offs).

During the years I've spent as an attorney, I've seen firsthand the difference a strong union makes for the lives of its members.

Not only that, I've seen how the changes a strong union brings about can make a company more profitable.

I hope that we can keep making ECC and the GU stronger.

Miguel E. (Chubu)

I’ve been a teacher at ECC since 2007, but a General Union member only since fairly recently.

Teaching may be a calling, but the best things about ECC that made this a viable job - training pay, shakai hoken, special care leave, and so much more, all proudly touted at our job interviews and workshops - are all thanks to the GU's efforts.

A company that decided to freeze the salaries of its native staff IS NOT ON YOUR SIDE.

So who is on your side?

Some of the company’s most experienced and passionate teachers, the friendliest and most helpful people I have had the privilege to meet and work with. Most importantly, their voices are my voice.

Owen K. (Kinki)

I came to ECC through an in-country, part-time, dispatch route - something not very common.

It wasn't long after taking on a full-time position that I found the problems I was facing weren't happening despite the company's efforts, but more because of them.

Through the Union, the support network I needed was there, something that I am now a part of myself.

I came in from the fringes and less-traveled roads, and you will find me there still, representing the many of us who work in the diverse and lesser-known parts of the company.

Thomas B. (Chubu)

I’m from Canada, and have been at ECC for over 13 years.

My family have been strong union supporters for several generations, so I was happy to find there was an effective union helping workers at ECC when I came to Japan.

I feel that a union is especially important for people working in a foreign country, where it is not always easy to learn about our legal rights, and can also provide a community where the members can support each other.