Job Discussion Forums

[genkeyguyjin]

Consider yourself warned if you decide to take up employment as an ALT with this company based in Kitakyushu, Japan. This is not a whine and gripe posting, but based on facts and hard-learned lessons. In short, OWLS is routinely and knowingly violating Japanese Labour Law and Labour Standards when it comes to its ALTs. If you do decide to work for this company, I would strongly suggest joining the Fukuoka General Union to protect yourself, as the company doesn't seem too concerned with its employees' rights under the law.
They have misinformed, misrepresented information, or broken labour laws and standards concerning the following issues: paid holidays, withholding final pay, health insurance options, fines for contract cancellation, company arranged apartment expenses, non-renewal of contracts, and no salary for the month of August.

[flyonthewall]

Thanks for your post Genke. If only more would speak out maybe we could help some people avoid this lot like the plague!

Unfortunately I have had the unplesant experience of being employed by OWLS.

In addition to the above post.

Bait and switch. 3 months contracts for those with the Onojo BOE in & around Fukuoka City. No health insurance.

Depending on amount of days in the month, pay as low as 180,000 yen. Not 250,000 yen as advertised.

Sick days/leave? see recent Interac threads regarding deceased child. Same old story, different dispatch company. They will also fire you for being ill (perhaps a blessing). They demand 1 weeks notice in regards to illness

Transportation expenses as low as 10,000 yen limit per month. There is no limit though from the BOE who pay for this. OWLS take the difference. http://yearofthedog.wordpress.com/2008/ ... -for-owls/

Try to make you sign an illegal agreement saying they get $1200 if you break your contract.

It goes on and on. Shame.

[Conor_Ire]

My company doesn't pay for August either , and i don't get any travel expenses. Should i be getting both of these? What can i do?

[flyonthewall]

[Conor_Ire]

Yes , i'm an ALT. I probably shouldn't mention the company as i agreed to their contract terms. I'm just curious about the paid holidays in August (Is that stantard??)