Our Lives | OBITUARY Dec 24, 2017
Ryan Smith: Father, husband, communist
During the early hours of Tuesday, Dec. 12, Tozen Union member Ryan Smith (aka Jon Doe) took his own life. He was 37.
Issues | LABOR PAINS Jul 30, 2017
Are university teachers in Japan covered by the 'five-year rule'?
Careful reading of laws suggests that a 10-year exception to the new rule that makes irregular workers permanent doesn't apply to college teachers.
Issues | LABOR PAINS Apr 24, 2016
Shakai hoken shake-up will open up pensions for some but close door on benefits for others
Law will enable some workers to join the employees' health and pension insurance system but will legally freeze out many more.
Issues | THE ZEIT GIST Sep 30, 2008
Berlitz strike grows despite naysayers
As union representative for Berlitz General Union Tokyo (Begunto), let me set the record straight. Despite scabs, naysayers and second-guessing pundits in the English-language media, Berlitz teachers are making history. With more than 100 teachers striking at dozens of schools around the Kanto region for ...
Issues | THE ZEIT GIST Dec 21, 2004
Workplace worries
Bullying and dismissal I've been working for a private university for almost eight years. During that time, I have put up with constant "ijime" from two other teachers, who finally got their way and are having me fired. No reason was given for my firing. My ...
Issues | THE ZEIT GIST Dec 14, 2004
Right side of the law
Sacked without notice I was working for an English-language school in Tokyo and got fired without any notice at all. My one-year contract doesn't expire for four more months. Can they do that? YES and no. In the short term, employers fire workers for good ...