Strikes? Demonstrations? Perpetual head-to-head fights with the company? Some would have it that a strong union could “bring the company to its knees”.
Much as it would be possible to take some childish pleasure in doing so, we don't believe that is a proper objective for the Union to have. After all, we all (including those in the Union organization), to one extent or another, depend on the success of the company and its business (our business) for our incomes and livelihoods.
Gladiatorial politics is for the political activists. The work of the union is usually a quieter struggle.
Instead ......
The primary objectives of the Union are to maintain, protect, and improve the working conditions of Nova employees, and protect the employment status of Union Members.
Ideally this would be done in equal partnership with the company. If we, the employees, work well and do our jobs, there's plenty enough money to go around. Why wouldn't the company properly reward us for the hard work and fundamental contribution we make?
However ......
The company is not a charity. Its primary and natural objective is financial gain for the company and its shareholders. It does not exist to make you happy and affluent, no matter how hard you work.
So, with that objective in mind, the company has striven to degrade the working conditions of its employees [and has often succeeded!] little by little, year by year, in its quest for profit. The company has shown itself on some occasions contemptuous even of the labour laws that are supposed to protect our working conditions.
What can you do to protect yourself against unjust company actions? .....On your own, frankly, very little.
The company has shown itself in the past to be not averse to using bullying tactics against employees individually, or collectively.
The company has strong cards to play; your job is your bread and butter, the company sponsors your visa, often the company manages your accommodation, the company controls your schedule and a lot of your working conditions, the company can make your life hell!
How tough are you? Do you have the strength and the resources to stand up to the company on your own?
A labour union, however, has infinitely more power than you do as an individual.
Japanese law recognizes and defends the rights of labour unions and union members considerably more than the rights of individual workers.
The Union also has resources, experience, knowledge, and an appreciation of your needs and problems.
How can it change my day to day life?
It's not just about big issues or problems though. It's about trying to improve everyone's day to day working lives in small ways as well as big.
But (and it's a big BUT), the Union derives its strength and impetus from a strong organization, and a strong organization depends on an active membership. The Union can only use the strength of the law through a strong membership, and that membership is you.
Yes you! Why... because the more members the union has the more Nova will be forced to take notice. Every additional member gives the Union that bit more power. A lot of members means a lot of clout. If you want things to change for the better, you have to add your name to that number.
￥2500 a month － is it worth it?
Can you think of any change in your working conditions that would be worth ￥2500 a month to you?
Perhaps paid travelling time when you do a help shift at another branch? Paid preparation time (the law says it should be paid)? Comfortable chairs? A microwave for teachers and staff? Paid sick days? How about an increase in the overtime rate? A pay rise?! Any one of those could be worth it, don't you think?.
The things the members most want and ask the Union to pursue are the top priorities for the Union.
Because ...
The union is a democratic organization, governed by its constitution and its members. It does what the members want it to do, and it doesn't do what the members don't want it to do.
If you're a member you can have your say, if you aren't a member you can't. The things the union tries to get for its members are the things members say are important.
