Understanding Your Payslip: What Every Employee Should See
Every worker deserves transparency when it comes to their pay. Your 給与明細書 (kyūyo meisaisho), or payslip, is an important document…
Language Schools
What if your company tries to change your contract—or just ignores it altogether?
In this article for TokyoDev, General Union Secretary Dennis Tesolat looks at how established workplace practices—written or not—are protected under…
Do You Have a Copy of Your Contract and Working Regulations?
“Do you have a copy of your contract and working regulations?” This question always comes before any member consultation can…
Deductions – Part 3
They can do that?! Ryan* resigned from his job in March. He requested to see the payslip in advance of…
Deductions – Part 2
Why wasn’t I deducted? Ashley* has worked in Japan for 5 years and changed jobs last May. She started receiving…
Deductions – Part 1
In Japan, your employer is legally required to deduct certain items from your salary such as income tax, company insurance…
Introducing General Union Theme Months 2026–2027
At the General Union, we believe that knowledge is one of the strongest tools workers have. This year, we are…
RCS Corporation: “Legal Compliance” Is Not Enough
On May 20, the General Union met RCS Corporation in collective bargaining regarding one of our members’ eligibility for shakai…
Toshiaki Asari (1949–2026)
At the General Union’s Annual General Meeting on 17 May, Toshi Asari was re-elected as Chair. He wasn’t in the…
Labor Bulletin #243
This bulletin contains information on law changes that have either passed or are being discussed in parliament, court decisions, and…
Labor Bulletin #242
This bulletin contains information on law changes that have either passed or are being discussed in parliament, court decisions, and…
ALT Workers Push Back on Instability and Call for Industry-Wide Change
ALT workers across Japan are facing a system built on short-term contracts, unclear expectations, and constant uncertainty. At this week’s…
Private Language School Teachers Meet to Tackle Workplace Issues and Build for 2026
Annual General Meetings for General Union branches kicked off this past week ahead of the union-wide Annual General Meeting on…
May Day 2026: Why Your Participation Matters
May first is not just a date on the calendar. It’s May Day, a global day of action rooted in…
Stand Together April 26: Solidarity Demo Against Division
On April 26, the Kinki Demonstration Committee is organizing a March for Rights and Peace in Osaka. The General Union’s…
Labor Bulletin #241
This bulletin contains information on law changes that have either passed or are being discussed in parliament, court decisions, and…
Labor Bulletin #240
This bulletin contains information on law changes that have either passed or are being discussed in parliament, court decisions, and…
Join Us for Hanami Celebrations in Fukuoka, Tokyo, and Osaka
Spring is here, and with it comes one of Japan’s most beloved traditions, hanami! The General Union is excited to…