Union Demands

Shunto 2011 demands
(Updated April 4th, 2011)

1) The company reinstate Walter Fahnestock and pay all back pay.

2) Company implement a 2.3% base up pay hike for all employees.

3) The company introduce a bonus system based on lesson volume – one month’s salary for every 10% annual increase in lesson volume, pro-rated accordingly.

4) Company retract the warning letters regarding industrial action issued to those who struck after Nov 10, 2008.

5) Company disclose quarterly profit/loss statements and annual balance sheets to union.

6) Company maintain former pension enrolment criteria irrespective of Shakai Hoken enrollment.

7) Company negotiate with and obtain consent of Betunto before implementing any policy change or initiating any new policy.

8 ) Company immediately re-enroll all teachers kicked off Shakai Hoken or private pension scheme.

9) Company enroll all employees who wish to be in Shakai Hoken.

10) Company drop civil court case against the union executives and unions.

11) Company pay five minute intervals before and after each scheduled unit of work at instructor’s rate

12) All misc. questions regarding the Tohoku earthquake be answered in a timely fashion.

The following questions related to the Earthquake and aftermath were asked in addition to the Shunto demands, but weren’t answered:

-Has the company suspended hiring? How many teachers have left due to the crisis? How many students have cancelled contracts?  Does Berlitz expect lessons to pick up later this year?
-What is Berlitz predicting for the rest of the year in terms of operating hours/ need for per lesson teachers, etc?  What will our working hours be this summer with reduced available electricity?
-Will Berlitz be instituting Cool Biz now that many buildings will be reducing the amount of air conditioning to conserve power?
-Do the current travel policy and timetables reflect the current travel situations (reduced service and blackouts on some lines?)
-Has Management reviewed its response to the March 11th quake? Where LC’s evacuated smoothly? Who led the evacuation in each case? Did people know where to do and what to do? Were any kids classes in progress at the time and who took responsibility fo leading the kids and contacting parents?
-Can you tell us any specific lessons from Berlitz’ experience in Kobe that were applied, or should be applied here?

REQUESTS
1) Request for scheduled earthquake drills ASAP
2) Request IS check on location of emergency supply cabinet in each school (delivered a few years ago but some teachers have never seen nor heard of them) and replenish expired food
3) Request management prepare an emergency senario with Union Imput
4) Request one day a year to hold earthquake drills at each school and have sales people walk instructors through at outservice locations on their first visit.
5) Request each employee’s contact files be updated each year on their birthday for contact info here and back in their home countries.