The General Union’s Fight Against Illegal Exclusion from Social Insurance
Progress in 2025 and the Struggle Ahead in 2026 In 2025, one of the struggles the General Union fought hardest was…
When Crime Pays: Japan’s Social Insurance Enforcement Charade
Imagine if the only penalty for dangerous speeding was being told to slow down. No fines, no licence points, no…
Don’t be Number 970 Thousand and One: How Employers Cheat Workers out of Pensions
Summary: Nearly one million workers in Japan are being illegally excluded from Kosei Nenkin, losing pension coverage they’re entitled to. Employers…
Thanks for Your Service, Now Pay Up! Altia’s Parting Gift to ALTs
In recent negotiations, the union formally demanded that Altia Central increase wages and extend contracts through March 31. Every March,…
Universities Must Cough Up: The Real Costs of Insurance Exclusion
The General Union has scored major victories at three universities, forcing them to finally enrol part-time teachers with 10+ koma…
A Maternity Allowance Consultation: A Powerful Reminder of Why Labour Unions Matter
General Union Fukuoka Office An unexpected call from the labour bureau led to one of those moments that perfectly illustrates…
Shakai Hoken Showdown: Busting Employer Myths and Fighting for Your Rights
Put your knowledge to the test by taking our myth busting quiz and discover the truth behind common misconceptions about…
Peace of Mind: Why Proper Social Insurance Enrolment Matters
“It gives me peace of mind to know that whatever happens, I won’t have to bankrupt myself if I need…
“My Boss Says No!” – Understanding Your Right to Employee Health and Pension Insurance
Many workers are wrongly denied enrollment in Employee Health and Pension Insurance (Shakai Hoken). The first step is knowing if…
Paying the Price: How My Employer’s Insurance Mistake Haunted Me
A story from union member Theron Muller When I first came to Japan in 2000 it was to work for…
Help Us Map Shakai Hoken Coverage: Do the Questionnaire at genu.cc/shakaiQ
Help Us Map Shakai Hoken Coverage: Do the Questionnaire at genu.cc/shakaiQ The General Union is conducting a nationwide survey on…
I Didn’t Want to Join Shakai Hoken—Now I’m Thankful I Did
by Chris Flynn In 1995 I got my first full time contract to teach at a Junior College. I was…
Everything You Need to Know About Pension in Japan
Unable to join our pension info session on October 27? No problem! We have the presentation available in PDF and…
Employees’ Pension: A Comprehensive and Superior Retirement System
(See here for a more detailed explanation of the pension system) Japan’s Employees’ Pension Insurance (Shakai Hoken) offers significant advantages…
Employee Health Insurance (Shakai Hoken): A Superior Healthcare System
(See here for more detailed information)Japan’s Employee Health Insurance (Shakai Hoken) offers significant advantages over the National Health Insurance system…