2012 01 (spring)

Page 1

Inside the “Voice”  Ashiya Gakuen  ECC negotiations  Opinion: Why join a union  Private language schools update  S p r i n g News

from

the

General

Union

In October 2011, as GABA was taken over by Nichii Gakkan, management decided to do a spot of union-busting and fired Francis Strange, the chair of the GU GABA branch. This was in addition to previously suing the union for 58 million yen for libel, plus the Japanese government for recognizing instructors workers under the Trade Union Law. We are now happy to report that things are moving in the union's favor. Firstly, GABA's claim of libel against the union was found to be baseless, with the case being dismissed on 15 November 2011. The ruling provided the perfect chance to begin discussions with Nichii Gakkan and GABA. In talks, the company agreed to not appeal their loss. And with the appeal deadline now passed, GABA has dropped all claims. In addition, GABA had been suing the government for the right to appeal the Osaka Labour Relations Commission’s finding that instructors are protected under Trade Union Law, and have the right to negotiate collectively. As part of the new set of talks, GABA agreed to drop the case and recognize the trade union rights of instructors, and the company's obligations to negotiate with the union.

NUGW Tokyo Nambu Tel: 03-3434-0669 Fax: 03-3433-0334 nugw_ts@jca.apc.org www.nugwnambu.org

(Kansai

&

Tokai),

NUGW

Tokyo

Negotiations also covered the unfair dismissal of Francis. After almost 3 months of unemployment, Francis returned to work on 12 February 2012 and is happy to be back at GABA's Ginza Learning Studio. As part of the settlement GABA has agreed to negotiate the issue of employment status, which includes issues such as paid annual leave, transportation allowances, and unemployment insurances.

The more people get involved, the stronger negotiating position the union has, and the more likely we are to be able to win improvements from the company. If you would like to have your voice represented, your opinions heard, and a chance for things to improve for the better for all of us, please join. To celebrate our success so far, the GABA branch is having an organizing drive. Dues have been reduced for GABA members and are only 1000 yen per month.

General Union – Kansai & Tokai Tel: 06-6352-9619 Fax: 06-6352-9630 Tokai Tel/Fax: 052-561-8555 union@generalunion.org www.generalunion.org

South,

Fukuoka

2 0 1 2 General

Union

During 2008’s shunto spring labour offensive, Berlitz General Union Tokyo (Begunto) demanded the first base pay increase in 16 years and began a long-term surgical strike campaign. Berlitz management, however, claimed the strike’s purpose was to hurt the company rather than realize the demands, and sued the parent union, National Union of General Workers Tokyo Nambu; Begunto; Nambu President; Deputy General Secretary; and five Begunto executives for alleged damages of 110 million yen. The court’s denial of Berlitz’s petition is a victory for working people in Japan as it shows the legitimacy of union and collective action. This is not a battle that we could afford to lose and thank all for their support.

Fukuoka General Union Tel/Fax: 092-473-1222 fukuoka@generalunion.org www.fukuoka.generalunion.org

National Union of General Workers e r s w w w . gGeneral e nUnion e r– Kansai a l u & n i o n . o r g


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2012 01 (spring) by General Union - Issuu