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Zenkoku Ippan Tokyo General Union KUIS Workers Union
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
I am interested in joining! What should I do?
I am interested in joining! What should I do?
Speak to our Field Director Ted Pare or contact us by email. We’ll walk you through the process of joining and help you as much as we can!
What’s the process of joining the union?
What’s the process of joining the union?
Step 1: Complete the union application: https://join.tozenunion.org/
Step 2: The local Field Director (Ted) will let the other executives know you're interested in joining the union and have completed/are completing the application
Step 3: The Field Director for Tozen (the parent union for all of the local chapters) Joe Plommer will contact you to set up your union dues. You can pay dues online or through your bank. We recommend the online option because it is quick and easy to set up.
Step 4: Once we have a confirmation of dues, the executives will hold a formal vote on your membership and you will become a full active member!
If you have any other questions/concerns about joining, send an email to kuisworkersunion@gmail.com. We will provide information if you have any questions.
How much does it cost to join the union?
How much does it cost to join the union?
Currently, the total dues are ¥2.250 per month, which are deducted on the 17th of each month.
¥2.000 goes to the general union, Tozen. ¥250 goes to our local union. Tozen keeps the local dues in an account for us and returns it when we need it.
At this time, there is an additional bank fee of ¥300 (making the total deduction ¥2.550). However, we are working to have these dues deducted automatically from declared members’ salary and forward the total to the Union’s bank account.
What is the monthly membership fee?
What is the monthly membership fee?
Currently, the total dues are ¥2.250 per month, which are deducted on the 17th of each month.
¥2.000 goes to the general union, Tozen. ¥250 goes to our local union. Tozen keeps the local dues in an account for us and returns it when we need it.
At this time, there is an additional bank fee of ¥300 (making the total deduction ¥2.550). However, we are working to have these dues deducted automatically from declared members’ salary and forward the total to the Union’s bank account.
Can I join the union as soon as possible?
Can I join the union as soon as possible?
In response to COVID-19, a way to fast-track your application has been (temporarily) set up. However, this must be requested as our Tozen Representative will have to convene the HEC (Headquarters Executive Committee).
In case Tozen is willing, you will be asked to pay three months of dues (¥7650) in advance. A picture or screenshot of the transfer must be sent to our representative, after which your application will be discussed as soon as possible.
How do I complete the bank form?
How do I complete the bank form?
In most situations, you will need to visit the branch at which you created your account, or your main branch.
If you have trouble during the finalization of the paperwork at the bank, use the phone number provided on the explanation document (bilingual) to call Tozen.
Can I join the union "undeclared" (anonymously)?
Can I join the union "undeclared" (anonymously)?
Yes, you can.
Joining the union “undeclared” means your name is not added to official lists of union members that are seen publicly. You can still participate in meetings and vote in union decisions, with the understanding that other union members will not violate your confidentiality. Your voice can join the conversation and influence the discussion, without being named.
However, any benefits that apply to union workers specifically would then not be extended to you; similar to non-union members of the university. The union does not have the legal authority to represent you in this case.
What happens after I have joined the union?
What happens after I have joined the union?
Joining the union allows you to have a seat at our table. You will be able to add your own ideas to the ongoing discussions and help improve your work environment. This means you can join the meetings, and may be requested to take minutes or write down the agenda from time to time.
In return for your contribution, the union has your back. It gives us the power to negotiate for better working conditions and other benefits through collective bargaining. Currently, we are working on a set of goals which you can read here.
I am worried about my future at KUIS; are there any risks to joining a union?
I am worried about my future at KUIS; are there any risks to joining a union?
Your worries are certainly not baseless, as you have probably heard stories from other universities or jobs where presidents, bosses, and chairmen have ignored the law and penalized union members. While these situations are tragically not unheard of in Japan, there is likewise a history of legal victories against these criminal practices.
What's more, Sano Gakuen (the head corporation of Kanda) has practice dealing with unions, and we don't believe illegal retaliation against union members will occur.
Needless to say, we believe the benefits are worth the risk.
I still have other questions or worries; who can I talk to?
I still have other questions or worries; who can I talk to?
Reach out! Our Field Director is Ted Pare who can help you with questions and the application process.
You can also ask someone you trust who is a union member by using our personal LINE. This is the best way to ask quick questions. If you prefer mailing us, you can send a message to our private, non-KUIS, email addresses.
And, of course, you can contact us on our official address: kuisworkersunion@gmail.com
Our community is ready to answer your questions and talk you through your worries.
Can we talk about the union at work?
Can we talk about the union at work?
Unfortunately, Sano Gakuen (KUIS) has not allowed us to recruit people at work yet.
While we are allowed to talk about the union during the break, you cannot hand out pamphlets or wear union swag.
What should I do if someone asks me about the union?
What should I do if someone asks me about the union?
We are not a secret society, so we encourage everyone to be honest and welcoming. However, if someone asks a union-related question you don’t know the answers to, you can have them talk to Dallas Helton (Union President) or send them to this FAQ.
You are under no obligation to talk or answer questions about the union. If someone in management (including PLs/SCs) asks you a question, remember that you do not have to respond. They are not allowed to ask if you are a member, and your membership can be kept secret (undeclared).
Where can I find more information about Tozen?
Where can I find more information about Tozen?
Zenkoku Ippan Tokyo General Union (Tozen, 東ゼン) has it's own very informative website.
Click here to read the Tozen FAQ for other possible questions you may have.
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