Job Discussion Forums

sumyunguy · Joined: 17 Feb 2007 Posts: 20

I'm making a late run at an ALT position for September. (I'm not in Japan, but I have the right visa and re-entry permit.) Basically I'm trying to reach out to as many dispatch agencies as possible. I'd like to come up with a (nearly?) comprehensive list. I realize some agencies are better than others, but I'd like to avoid "what's wrong with company X" for right now. Just a list. I think others might find this useful, too, as I couldn't find a true list in searching this forum.

If you're feeling generous, besides the name, the region(s) or prefecture(s) they work out of would be helpful. (I don't care a lot about location, but it's nice to know). Also, if a company is too small to have a website, and you happen to know the company email, that would be great, too.

The ones I've heard of:

Interac
RCS
Heart Corp.
Joytalk
ALTIS Central
OWLS
Borderlink

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

steki47 · Joined: 20 Apr 2008 Posts: 1029 Location: BFE Inaka

flyer · Joined: 16 May 2003 Posts: 539 Location: Sapporo Japan

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

sumyunguy · Joined: 17 Feb 2007 Posts: 20

ALTIA, yep, my bad. They sound good, but haven't heard back yet. Sketchy reps a lot of these, I know. (I've personally worked for Heart, though, and didn't find them off-putting overall -- may go back if they have a need). So far I've gotten one helpful PM, but I get the impression there are plenty of small agencies around Japan that won't come up on a google search -- anyone can name some more, I'm all ears.

TokyoLiz · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Posts: 1548 Location: Tokyo, Japan

There are many terrible situations out there, and enough has been written about them on other websites.

Many of the agencies in the above list have apparently engaged in unfair labour practices - see http://nambufwc.org/issues/alt/

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

Ran across this name just today. Have not heard anything about them.
Teemii

http://www.teachenglishinasia.net/tefl-jobs-japan/become-assistant-language-teacher-alt-japan
The link to their website from this and another link don't work, so who knows if they are even still in business?

Zenken/ZIAC/Minerva is another name for your rogues' gallery.

Imagination Ink (run by a non-Japanese, I believe) is also an ALT dispatch agency. If memory serves, this was about the only one I've ever run across that seemed to abide by laws and treat employees fair.

Samurai · Joined: 12 Apr 2004 Posts: 57 Location: Japan

No list would be complete without the infamous JALSS... Laughing

Location: Kanto area...largely Saitama.
Location of company President: Unknown...even to the authorities of Japan.

This company is currently fighting a number of cases in the Tokyo District Court.

fujisan · Joined: 24 Jun 2010 Posts: 42

The company president...must be in court most of the time. It should be easy to find him!

Details on the JALSS lawsuit here:

http://tokyogeneralunion.org/2010/06/22/tozen-alts-sue-for-unpaid-wages/

It says that there's several lawsuits going on at the same time.

slowdive606 · Joined: 22 Feb 2006 Posts: 15

Altia are one of the better ones, however, they are going to start cutting pay during the holidays from next year. I think this is going to depend on the kind of contract you are on. Altia are also going to start enrolling teachers on shakai hoken. Borderlink must be avoided at all costs.

robertokun · Joined: 27 May 2008 Posts: 199

^^

Yeah, I also got it from the horses mouth that ALTIA's probably going to start putting their teachers in LeoPalace apartments, as well, to cut back on their costs. They can't compete with the other SDC's� (shady dispatch companies,) therefore even they will be slowly dragged down to every one else's level. I successfully interviewed with them and they were going to find me a position, but I ended up telling them I wasn't interested anymore after pondering working another ALT dispatch job . . . even with one of the better one's-- thanks, but no thanks.

gonzarelli · Posted: Thu Aug 19, 2010 4:22 am Post subject:

^ ^

From what I've heard, ALTIA no longer pays full wages during the summer break. I think the average pay went from 250k per month to around 185k per month or something like that. Could easily be wrong though.

Yep, would think twice about going back to dispatch ALT work even though the hours and holidays will never be matched. Neither will the feelings of worthlessness.

Samurai · Joined: 12 Apr 2004 Posts: 57 Location: Japan

Can any Altia Central employee clarify any of the above posts?
I've also heard that the company is going to change its name to Alltears Central... Laughing

slowdive606 · Joined: 22 Feb 2006 Posts: 15

The pay at Altia has not been cut, in some cases it has went up. However, in future they will only pay 60 percent in August (for some contracts).