Japan Press Weekly

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2012 February 15 - 21 [LABOR]

Japanese democratic teachers’ union seeks global solidarit

A teachers’ union aiming at realizing education based on the goals of Constitution of Japan has decided to apply for membership in Education International (EI), a global federation of teacher unions.

The All Japan Teachers and Staff Union (Zenkyo), one of the two major teachers’ unions in Japan, will work for global solidarity and information exchange with other teachers’ organizations in the world.

Zenkyo on February 18 and 19 held its regular convention in Tokyo, approving its application for an EI membership and adopting such action plans as strengthening the movement to establish tuition-free education.

Teachers under Zenkyo resolved to resist two controversial ordinance bills in Osaka which Osaka City Mayor Hashimoto Toru and his own party “Osaka Ishin-no Kai” are planning to enact in order to eliminate school staff who are unwilling to comply with the Osaka governor’s orders and to authorize municipal heads to set their own education goals.

At the convention, participants discussed ways to improve working conditions of teachers, including part-time teaching staff.

Zenkyo Secretary Imatani Kenji warned of wage cuts now under consideration for national government workers which would adversely affect not only public sector workers but also all working people and the public welfare as a whole.

A delegate from Hiroshima Prefecture, where a performance-based salary system was introduced last year, reported that Hiroshima teachers are fighting for a better working environment and the withdrawal of the performance-based salary system.

A delegate from Shiga Prefecture stated that overtime work increased by 30% compared to 7 years ago resulting in a decline in the quality of education.