The General Union is leading a crucial fight for employment security in Japan’s higher education sector. Our ongoing legal battles highlight a disturbing trend of institutions attempting to circumvent labour laws and deny workers the stability they deserve.
At Osaka University, long-serving part-time lecturers face misclassification as “independent contractors”, stripping them of employee rights and benefits. This tactic not only undermines job security but also threatens the quality of education by treating skilled educators as disposable resources.
Miyazaki International University’s case reveals age discrimination, with unjust pay cuts imposed on workers over 60. This practice not only disregards the value of experienced educators but also creates a precarious environment for all staff as they age.
International Language Centre (ILC), a dispatch company, abruptly changed contract terms for a teacher in their fifth year, effectively blocking their path to an unlimited-term contract. This maneuver exposes the vulnerability of dispatch workers in the education sector and the lengths some employers will go to avoid providing job security.
Perhaps most alarming is the situation at Yamaguchi Gakuen, where a member with an unlimited-term contract saw their hours and salary slashed by more than 70%. This case starkly illustrates that even supposed job security can be undermined without constant vigilance and union support.
These cases represent a broader issue in Japan’s education sector: the systemic erosion of job security. Institutions increasingly rely on part-time, contract, and dispatch workers, creating a workforce perpetually anxious about their future.
The General Union is committed to reversing this trend. We demand:
- Proper classification of workers as employees, with all associated rights and benefits
- An end to age discrimination and unfair treatment of older workers
- Respect for the spirit and letter of labour laws regarding unlimited-term contracts
- Equal protection of working conditions for part-time, full-time, and tenured teachers, and all university staff
Through negotiation, legal action, and public campaigns, we’re fighting for a future where educators can focus on their crucial work without constant fear for their livelihoods. Job security isn’t just about individual workers – it’s about maintaining a stable, high-quality education system for all of Japan.
We call on all educational institutions to prioritize fair employment practices. It’s time to recognize that secure, respected educators are the backbone of a thriving academic environment. The General Union stands ready to fight for this vision, in courtrooms and classrooms across Japan.