General Union・ゼネラルユニオン

13/06/2026

Private language school teachers are coming together to tackle workplace issues and build for the year ahead.

At the recent General Union Language Industry Independents (LII) meeting, workers shared common challenges across the industry, including unpaid work, unclear expectations, and unstable contracts. What stood out was that these are not isolated problems, but widespread issues affecting many workplaces.

From unpaid lesson prep and admin work to unpaid travel time and events, workers described conditions that are difficult to challenge alone. But together, these issues become actionable.

Looking ahead, members emphasized the importance of building stronger connections, creating spaces to share experiences, and growing a more active membership to support organizing efforts.

Real change does not come from identifying problems alone. It comes from workers organizing together and taking action.

If you work in the language industry, you are not alone and you do not have to deal with these issues by yourself.

Get in touch with us!
https://generalunion.org/consult/

11/06/2026

Do you know what's actually in your employment contract?

As part of the General Union's Rainy Day Reads month, we're hosting online workshops to help workers better understand their contracts, workplace rights, and common red flags to watch out for.

We'll cover:
📄 Different kinds of contracts
⚖️ Legal requirements and minimum benefits
🚩 Warning signs and unfair clauses

Bring your contract and your questions! The workshop is open to

Upcoming dates:
🗓 June 13 at 19:00
🗓 June 17 at 20:00
🗓 June 21 at 10:00

RSVP here: https://forms.gle/WD7tGEHUzhDgaU759

09/06/2026

📚 Knowledge is power—and this year the General Union is launching monthly themes to help workers better understand their rights and workplaces in Japan.

June's theme is Rainy Day Reads: Workplace Documents, focusing on employment contracts, payslips, deductions, contract changes, and more. Throughout the year we'll also cover topics including harassment, pensions, parental leave, union rights, insurance, dismissals, wages, and freelance work.

Follow along for articles, workshops, and practical resources to help you navigate work and life in Japan.

Read more: https://generalunion.org/introducing-general-union-theme-months-2026-2027/

07/06/2026

Our Vice Chair, Dennis Tesolat, wrote an article for TokyoDev on protecting your workplace rights in Japan.

The article explains how Japanese labour law protects both written working conditions and long-standing workplace practices, and why collective action through unions is often the most effective way to defend those rights.

Whether it's remote work, bonuses, flexible schedules, or other workplace benefits, workers don't have to simply accept unilateral changes from employers.

Read the full article:
https://www.tokyodev.com/articles/protecting-your-workplace-rights-in-japan

05/06/2026

Do you have a copy of your work contract?

What about your workplace regulations?

Many workers don't have either, even though these documents contain important information about working hours, retirement age, workplace rules, and your rights on the job.

Knowing where these documents are—and keeping a copy—can help protect you when problems arise.

If you're having trouble accessing these documents or have questions about your rights, get in touch with the General Union for advice and support.

03/06/2026

💰 Do you actually understand your payslip?

Your payslip (給与明細書) is more than just a record of what you were paid—it’s proof of your rights at work.

Learn how to check:
✅ Basic salary (基本給)
✅ Allowances (手当)
✅ Overtime pay (残業代)
✅ Tax and insurance deductions (控除)
✅ Social insurance enrollment (社会保険)
✅ Gross pay vs. take-home pay

Understanding your payslip can help you spot mistakes, unpaid wages, or missing social insurance contributions.

As part of our June theme month, "Rainy Day Reads: Workplace Documents," we're breaking down important workplace documents every worker should know.

📖 Read the full article here:
https://generalunion.org/understanding-your-payslip/

01/06/2026

Trade Union Law Labor Rights Seminar 💥
https://youtu.be/TYUMnTJpa2A?si=1FsP1gXQjsjatPlZ

This lecture shares valuable information about the trade union law ALL workers should know.

This lecture shares valuable information about the trade union law ...

30/05/2026

💼 Freelancer in Japan? You might still have union rights.

A lot of “freelancers” in Japan are actually misclassified employees — but even if you really are an independent contractor, that doesn’t automatically mean you’re on your own.

Under Japan’s Trade Union Law, freelancers who are economically dependent on a company may still be considered a “worker” — which means:
✔ You can join a union
✔ A union can demand collective bargaining on your behalf
✔ A refusal to bargain can be challenged at the Labour Commission

This is not theoretical. It’s how GABA instructors, Uber Eats riders, opera singers, and maintenance technicians have defended their rights — even while officially labeled as freelancers.

👉 Read the full explanation, real cases, and a practical checklist here:
🔗 https://generalunion.org/can-freelancers-join-a-union/

28/05/2026

University workers deserve job security, fair treatment, and real support.

From fighting koma cuts and contract non-renewals to helping secure paid leave and unlimited contract conversions, General Union has been standing with university workers across Japan since 1991.

Join thousands of educators and staff building collective power together.

👉 uni.generalunion.org

25/05/2026

Are you in the Nagoya area? General Union ECC branch members are hosing a trivia night for all GU members, friends, and family.

Need more info? contact [email protected]

We hope to see you there!