While not perfect, many ECC teachers in Chubu and Kansai will be taking home more this pay day thanks to the solidarity of General Union members. In late April, after tricking teachers into signing new contracts, ECC announced the abolishment of pay increases and the introduction of a lump sum payment system. In simple terms, a pay freeze.

Strike action, increasing membership, and collective bargaining saw ECC quickly back down. On July 23rd, the GU and ECC signed off on a collective agreement over annual pay increases for 2014 and lump sum payments.

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