After Altia Central refused to meet us for collective bargaining early in our strike, dispatch ALTs (Assistant Language Teachers) at the Kyoto Prefecture Board of Education had no choice but to continue striking through Wednesday this week, when the company was finally able to attend negotiations. On November 14, union members even traveled together to Altia Central’s headquarters in Nagoya to demand collective bargaining, but the company refused and proposed a postponement. As a result, we were forced to continue the strike until the rescheduled bargaining session on Wednesday (November 19).

Initially, members were relieved to see the company president join for the first time since bargaining began in July. That relief quickly shifted to confusion, and then anger, as it became clear that the company had arrived unprepared and with no concrete proposal.

Several union leaders sharply criticized management for providing only repeated noncommittal statements, including the vague promise that “we will send a proposal in the coming days.” Union representatives pressed the company to provide a specific timeline, pointing out that the union had already submitted its demands months earlier. At multiple points during the meeting, the union even suggested taking a break so the company could write down an offer and return with something concrete – suggestions that were rejected, as Altia repeatedly responded with silence and deflection.

With no offer, no timeline, and only evasive answers from the company side, the union had no choice but to end the meeting and instruct company representatives to leave the Zoom call.

This was far from the outcome members were hoping for, but our resolve has not wavered. While we wait for the company’s written proposal, union members continue to take action and are expanding our organizing efforts.

Since the beginning of the strike, we have demonstrated and leafletted throughout Kyoto Prefecture to raise awareness among parents, teachers, and the general public. On the first day of the strike, we held a press conference that resulted in coverage in the Kyoto Shimbun, Yomiuri Shimbun, and Asahi Shimbun, both in print and online. In addition, Mainichi Shimbun conducted an in-depth interview on members’ living conditions, which will further bring workers’ voices and concerns to the broader public.

Beyond Kyoto, union representatives have been meeting with Boards of Education in Nagoya and Gifu, where Altia Central’s headquarters and many of its contracts are located. In these meetings, we have urged local Boards to transition away from the dispatch system toward fairer, more stable, and more transparent direct-hire employment, ensuring that public education funds go directly to schools and ALTs rather than corporate middlemen.

Though the company’s refusal to bargain in good faith is deeply disappointing, our movement is growing. Members remain united, active, and determined. While we await the company’s proposal, we are continuing our actions and preparing new efforts to bring nationwide attention to this issue. At the same time, in light of Altia Central’s continued refusal to engage in good-faith collective bargaining, union leadership is seriously considering filing an unfair labor practice case with the Labor Commission.