Here is the message in full from Masaki Inayoshi to all instructors... It is quite long, so grab a beverage... Thanks Paulzdeli for posting it to comments...
To: Nova instructors
As there have been enquiries, questions and concerns received from instructors who have viewed the General Union website, the Chairman of G. Communication would like to take this chance to communicate the message below.
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Firstly, I would like to thank all the instructors and staff of G. communication for the effort everyone is putting into their work. I would also like to add that I really do think that Nova has a large number of tremendous people and great instructors.
I am also very appreciative of the assistance that we have received in working to increase student numbers and open schools in the current winter season. It was great to see so many people attend the get-together parties that I planned in each of the regions.
In short, I am truly pleased to have taken up the challenge of moving Nova forward from this point on.
I should say that I also have a great deal of respect for unions and also, for the role the union movement actually plays in our society itself.
However, I have to admit that I was surprised when looking at the current homepage of the General Union. What appears is in fact quite a bit different from what I really would like to express. It was disappointing to find out that some important points have been omitted or in fact even left out completely.
I have also received enquiries expressing concern that I am only interested in members of the union. I have to say, and would like to make it very clear that in making decisions, whether someone is a member of the union or not plays no part at all in influencing the decisions that are made.
G. education has inherited Nova from a position where there was actually not even 1 yen profit and the salary requirements for one month come to about 600,000,000 yen. I do not think, however, that this is an inappropriate amount. At this time, even should someone have had a contract with Nova as it existed before, if the performance of an instructor has not been satisfactory we will not be in a position to offer contract renewals. I will make all efforts possible to take into consideration the situation of instructors who are yet to have a place of employment, however I am also sure that you appreciate that it will not be possible to continue to provide salaries indefinitely to instructors who are on standby at home.
Points and Demands 1
The monthly layoffs continuing since December are in violation of the basic agreement with the District Court to offer "Employment to all applicants" and go against the chairman's press announcements.
[The response from the company]
* I was not said that we will hire everyone unconditionally, nor has that been the case. In principle, we will go through an interview process and then make an employment decision based on the individual situation of each instructor, notwithstanding exceptional circumstances. We have not laid anyone off. When making contract renewal decisions, our deliberations will be based on the instructor having fulfilled his or her role as an instructor. In cases where there is no place of work, a further condition of renewal of contracts will be the ability and willingness to transfer. Keeping in mind that the number of branches have been drastically reduced since the company's rebirth and continuance, it is not possible to renew the contracts of instructors for whom we have no place of work to offer.
Exceptional circumstances --> As a result of the interview; unsatisfactory performance with the former NOVA; actions which have a negative impact on the reputation of NOVA; the business preparation not being complete; not being able to transfer to a different area.
Points and Demands 2
The requests for contract renewal by instructors presently subject to the terms of one-year contracts with the pre-existing NOVA have been mostly refused.
[The response from the company]
*Student enrollment is progressing well, so there is a limit to the number of instructors who will be unable to renew their contracts. In some areas, we already have a shortage of instructors. On the other hand, as we also have areas where there is an oversupply, contracts can be renewed in the event that relocation is possible, even if only for a fixed period of time, and as long as performance has been satisfactory. However, in cases where the initial business preparation has not been completed, more than two months' notice of cessation of employment will be provided to those affected.
Points and Demands 3
Union leaders have not been re-employed
[The response from the company]
*We have not refused employment to an individual due to union membership. Moreover, of the people who have requested to be hired, more than half are people who have left Nova some years ago. Under the present conditions, we have enough instructors already, so we cannot employ people simply on the basis that they are union members or otherwise.
>Point
Throughout the entire G group, employment contracts and regulations are inadequate.
The response from the company
*At this point in time, in managing the company's operations, legal compliance is considered a fundamental necessity. It is not possible for a company to continue operating if Labor Standards laws are not being complied with. This claim has no foundation.
Procedures undertaken when joining the company are based on the applicable laws and conducted appropriately. All agreements between labor and management are completed appropriately. Various working regulations etc. can be viewed on the Intranet at any time, and, in addition to that, these laws are being complied with in each of the branches.
>Announcement
Strike in order to protect the rights of the students.
[Company viewpoint concerning this]
*We cannot see the point that is under discussion here.
Current policy is as follows.
[1] G.education will take over the contracts of the former Nova under the same employment conditions and working regulations that were the case previously.
[2] At the time that the contract expires, in the case of both parties agreeing, the contract will be renewed.
[3] In exceptional cases, where the performance of an instructor has been deemed to be unsatisfactory, the contract will not be renewed. This being said, in April, from a total of 120 instructor contract decisions, only seven fell into this category, This judgement was influenced in no way by whether or no particular instructors were members of the union.
[4] At the moment, there is a lack of instructors in some branches whilst at the same time, there are almost 200 instructors who are on standby. In this instance, as long as an instructor's performance has been deemed to be satisfactory, and they are willing to move to an area where they are required, G.education will assure that their contract will be renewed.
[5] In the case of areas where the initial business preparation has not been completed, more than two months' notice of cessation of employment will be provided, and salaries will be paid until March 31st.
[6] In regards to contract renewals and all personal matters, whether a person is a member of a union or otherwise will not be a factor in any decision.
[7] If you have any questions please contact one of the numbers listed below.
TOKYO foreign personnel office
TEL: 03-5524-2481
OSAKA foreign personnel office
TEL: 06-7688-0404
Finally, I very much look forward to working with all of the positive and motivated people at NOVA, in moving on from this point toward an enjoyable and successful future.
Yours Sincerely,
Masaki Inayoshi
