Japan Press Weekly

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2015 March 25 - 31 [LABOR]

Globalization-oriented Osaka Univ. plans to dismiss non-regular workers

Osaka University, which was selected by the state for the “super global university project”, is moving ahead with its plan to dismiss 162 non-regular workers.

The targeted 162 workers have been working for more than 10 years under fixed-term contracts in various university positions, such as library and accounting staff positions, which require specialized skills and experience. Among university staff, there is growing concern that a massive dismissal of skilled workers will affect university operations.

Osaka University had explained to these workers that they will be able to work until the age of 60 by repeatedly renewing their contracts. In October 2009, however, the university announced that it will dismiss fixed-term contract workers who have been working for more than 10 years with annual renewals of their contracts at the end of March 2015.

Following this announcement, all labor unions at the university began a signature-collection campaign calling for withdrawal of the university’s dismissal plan, and they are negotiating with the university.

Osaka University, seeking to become a “super global university”, should fulfil its social responsibility.