Job Discussion Forums

essequam · Joined: 06 Feb 2004 Posts: 7 Location: Japan

"workers on limited term contracts are sometimes dismissed at the end of their contracts without any reason being provided. While the courts have ruled that workers with multiple renewals of limited term contracts are in actuality on indefinite term contracts (and thus subject to stricter standards with regard to dismissals), the reality is that anyone on a limited term contract could find themselves unemployed at the end of their contract"
G U website

Are indefinite term contracts a just a pipe dream or could they become a reality for EFL professionals in the land of the rising sun? Your opinion....?

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

Considering that contract terms are linked to visas, which also have limited terms. it's pipe dream all the way, even if you have a spouse visa or permanent resident status.

PAULH · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 4672 Location: Western Japan

Just a word to let you know that I have permanent residency a Japanese spouse and can stay here indefinitely, spouse or not. My new university still gave me a one-year two-times renewable contract regardless of my family situation or semi-permanence in Japan. Even PRs dont get cut any slack as the one year contract is a way for them to 'ease you out' at their convenience.

essequam · Joined: 06 Feb 2004 Posts: 7 Location: Japan

paulH's situation is the kind of thing that I am talking about - job security.

My post was dismissed with an offhand comment 'contracts are tied to visas' but it isn't that simple. Glenski are you on a renewable contract?

As PaulH's story illustrates,employers in Japan, even at the higher end of the market, universities, use limited term contracts as a way of denying teachers well earned job security.

PAULH · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 4672 Location: Western Japan

If I had not managed to score a job this April I would have

1. been homeless
2. had to move out of our accomodation but still have no job (or one that pays what i need)
3. moved to Australia (thats what we were seriously thinking)

We are already making plans for 2006-2007. Wife is more ticked off about 3 year contracts than I am. Me? Im used to it by now.

Iwantmyrightsnow · Joined: 12 Feb 2004 Posts: 202

There are some foreigners with unlimited term contracts but they are very few and far between. I doubt the situation will change. They are becoming more common for Japanese workers. There seems to be a push by the Minnistry of Labour towards them. The law changed this changed to allow 3 year contracts across most industries.