In mid-2023, it was confirmed that employee representative elections at various universities and schools operated by Educational Corporation Doshisha were being conducted in violation of both laws and social norms. 

The law clearly states that ”whether through a vote of confidence or competitive election, a proper employee representative must receive clear confidence and votes from a majority of workers, not only a majority of voters. However, Doshisha was actively counting non-participating employees as having voted in favor of specific candidates. These employee representative elections were therefore illegal and invalid. 

At Doshisha International Academy (DIA) in particular, alongside these employee representative elections, the “variable working hours system” became a significant issue as it did not match actual working conditions. Moreover, this system had been established with the signature and seal of an invalid employee representative. 

The General Union, working with union members at the school and with support from friendly labour unions, continued activities including negotiations, demonstrations at the school gates, and leafletting at a nearby station to demand corrections to these issues.

In early 2024, DIA announced a notice for new employee representative elections. The content was significantly different from before and properly followed legal requirements. 

The lawful employee representative election we had been demanding was finally achieved. 

Union members engaged in dialogue with the newly elected employee representative, and an acceptable “variable working hours system” was also established. 

There are still issues that need to be resolved at Doshisha International Academy. Doshisha International School Kyoto which makes up part of DIA is scheduled to close in 2029 and the future of our members is not yet been settled. Also while worker representative elections at 

DIA Are now being run correctly, there is no guarantee that this is being done at other Doshisha schools. 

The General Union continues to move forward while confirming this wonderful progress made at Doshisha International Academy.