A dedicated cohort of university English teachers at Kyoto Sangyo university have been contributing to teaching at that school for many years. Their contribution is highly valued by students and their employers. They have settled into life in Kyoto, had families and have  children attending Kyoto schools. In spite of their experience, dedication and commitment,  they are being told by Kyoto Sangyo that they have to go.  Please keep these union members in mind as they seek negotiations to keep their jobs.

   The infamous ‘10 year rule’ has been used by a variety of universities in Japan to deny needed job security for teachers at Japanese higher educational institutions. Normally, the Labor Contract Act confers an obligation on employers to offer an unlimited term contract to workers after 5 years of continuous employment. Universities through the dubious use  of ‘Term of Office’ contracts are exploiting a loophole to deny job security to their part-time and full time employees. We think that ‘Term of Office’ contracts may be being abused by employers. Also it makes no sense to get rid of experienced teachers who have settled in and replace them with untested people. Teachers are the key to the success of any educational institution.

  If you are a university teacher and have any questions about the ten year rule, are being asked to resign in 2023 and are not sure why, please seek a consultation with the General Union.