Meet Your General Union Representatives

Chair・委員長

Toshiaki Asari 浅利　俊明

高槻市で外国人労働者の相談に対応する中で故・山原克二氏にゼネラルユニオンへの参加を呼びかけられました。2015年でした。それ以来、やりがいのある仕事をして毎日が新しい日々を過ごしています。

組合員と働く仲間たちの権利を守り、拡大するために、そして暮らしと職場を改善するために、その「道具」であるゼネラルユニオンをもっと大きく、もっと強く、もっと役立つものにするために一緒に頑張りましょう。

I was asked to join the General Union by the late Mr. Katsuji Yamahara while I was dealing with the issues of foreign workers in Takatsuki City in 2015. Since then, I have been spending my days doing new and rewarding work.

Let’s work together to make the General Union bigger, stronger, and more useful as a “tool” to protect and expand the rights of our members and fellow workers, and to improve their lives and workplaces.

Vice Chair at-Large・統括副委員長

EIJI KAWAGUCHI 川口英治

1999年７月に福岡ゼネラルユニオンを結成しました。２０２２年１月にゼネラルユニオンに合流してからは、それまでの経験を活かし副委員長を担っています。「労働組合が労働者を組織しないと社会は崩壊する」が現在の私のモットーです。

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Vice Chair for Private Language Industry & at-Large・民間語学学校担当及び統括副委員長

Kris Numata 沼田　クリス

2018年に、私の会社での企業買収と大規模な内部変化が私に少し不安を抱かせましたため、保険としてゼネラルユニオンに入会しました。私は幸運なことに、苦情や不満はあまりありませんでしたが、代わりに他の人が自分の問題を解決できるように手助けすることに取り組んできました。ここ数年は、会員の関与と支援に焦点を当て、今後は私のリーダーシップの経験を活かし、法律上の権利や組合の利点について、日本全国の人々に広く知ってもらえるよう努めていきます。

I joined the union as insurance in 2018, when a corporate buyout and large internal changes at my company made me a little uneasy. I’ve been fortunate that I haven’t had many (personal) complaints or grievances, and have instead worked toward helping others resolve theirs. Over the last few years, I’ve focused on member engagement and outreach, and going forward strive to use what I’ve learned in my leadership positions to raise knowledge of our rights under the law and the benefits of unionizing to people all across Japan.

Vice Chair for Schools 学校担当委員長

Claudia Ardin クラウディア・アーディン

I’ve been part of the General Union since 2016. Making sure people are aware of their rights, not only Japanese workers but also non-national, has been one of my main goals along with helping them deal with employers as well. In the past couple of years, in addition to taking care mostly of the Schools sector, I’ve also developed an interest in gender gap issues and how to solve them.

General Secretary・書記長

Dennis Tesolat テソラット・デニス

I came to Japan in 1994 and joined the union in 1995 while I was working at GEOS. Long story short, I was dismissed after organising the union and after a long dispute and court case which we won, I was able to move on. I have a passion for workplace organising as the foundation of our union.

I have worked at the union as either a full timer or part timer since 1996 and I love the work that I do. Building a strong union is something that I believe in and hope that you will join with me and others to protect workers rights and build a better future for everyone.

Treasurer・会計

Joseph G. ジョゼフ　Ｇ．

I got involved because I wanted to help people and give something back to the community. I stay involved because I have seen what a big difference the GU makes in ensuring fair treatment and dignity to so many workers all over Japan.

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Assistant General Secretary・書記次長

Joslyn ジョスリン

Thanks to union action I was able to improve my working conditions alongside my fellow union members. Now, I want to give more of my time to the General Union in return for all of the support they offer me. I’m excited to use my talents to support the union and my fellow workers in Japan.

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Executive Officer・執行委員

Aaron Taylor アーロン・テイラー

I joined the Union for two basic reasons. The first reason is due to the NUMEROUS problems I encountered at my first employer in Japan. The second reason is that I wanted a way to stand up for myself and my fellow workers against the multitude of illegal practices by not just my former employer, but by any future employer as well. 

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Executive Officer・執行委員

Simon Cole サイモン・コール

I’m a founder member of the union and have been an Executive Committee member since its foundation. I’m presently teaching part-time at Kindai University and a member of the Kindai branch. I’ve also been responsible for the last few years of running GU new member orientations and also working on the union’s Solidarity Committee. I look forward to playing an active role on the GUEC and GU activities in the next year.

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Executive Officer・執行委員

Charles Magne シャルル・マー二ユ

I joined the GU in 2012.Today, unions are more important to working people than ever.  During the crisis, the GU has been able to secure enhanced safety measures, additional premium pay, paid sick time, and work-share arrangements to save jobs. By joining together with our coworkers, we gain bargaining power to negotiate for a better life and a voice on the job.

Executive Officer・執行委員

Tejal Kuray クレイ　テジャ　

I organized and managed environmental activism campaigns throughout high school and college, and as an adult I helped organize social events for the young professional (20-35 year old) South Asian community in New Jersey. Professionally, I’ve worked for a US State Department, where I worked as a liaison between constituents, elected officials, and government agencies. I love connecting people, solving problems, and creating a positive lasting impact. Throughout my professional life, unions have helped me a lot. I’m here to give back.

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Auditor・会計監査

Joseph Mc Vay ジョセフ・マクヴエイ

I have been a member for over 10 years. During that time I was Berlitz Branch chair and worked to negotiate better pay and working conditions for our members. Now that I have retired from full time work I would like to remain useful to the GU and auditing the financial statements is one way I can still make a small contribution.