When universities cancel classes due to low enrollment, many teachers assume they have no recourse. This commonly happens in two situations: a class being canceled partway through the semester or a promised class being cut at the start of term after assignments were confirmed.

However, this is not just unfair—it’s illegal under Japanese labor law.

Labour Law Overrides Your Contract

The Labour Standards Act is clear: when work is canceled due to the employer’s needs, the employer must compensate the worker.

The legal minimum compensation for lost work is 60% of your wages, but the General Union believes universities should pay 100%.

Your Contract Can’t Take Away Your Rights

Some universities insert clauses stating that they can cancel classes without payment if enrollment is too low. These clauses are legally invalid. No contract can override fundamental worker protections under Japanese labor law.

Despite this, universities frequently cite work regulations that most teachers have never even seen as justification for cutting classes without pay. This lack of transparency weakens their position—employers cannot enforce policies that workers have not been properly informed of.

Recent Success: Holding Employers Accountable

Just this week, the General Union successfully challenged a university in Osaka City over this very issue. The university initially claimed it had the right to cut classes without compensation, citing its work regulations. But when pressed, they ultimately agreed to pay the legal minimum of 60%.

Even employers understand that they cannot simply cancel classes without consequences.

What You Should Do

Don’t accept your university’s claim that you “agreed” to work without compensation. If you have lost classes mid-semester or had promised classes cut, contact the General Union.

Japanese labor law is clear: you have the right to be paid. The union can help you get what you are owed.