Page 6 - ELG2304 Apr Issue 484

NEWS .

BC Tokyo staff strike over forced retirement

British Council Tokyo staff have The National Union of General
started industrial action against Workers Tokyo Nambu, which
forced retirement at the age represents the striking staff, began
of 65, in what is believed to be challenging this practice in 2012.
the first strike in the 75 years Indeed, according to the Union,
since the British Council opened Council managers admitted
in Japan. five years ago, that there was no
On 4th March staff staged justification for retaining the
a one-day strike at the British forced retirement policy.
Council in Tokyo. The centre “There have been plenty of
was picketed, and striking staff warm words, and much talk of
were joined by students collecting reviews … of EDI team meetings
signatures for a petition, fellow and assessment frameworks, but
union members with giant banners up to now, no firm commitment
and pennants, and teachers from and no time frame for abolition of
other unions. the practice,” according to Union
According to the strikers members.
the Council’s global Equality The union is now calling on the
Diversity and Inclusion policy British Council to immediately National Union of General Workers Tokyo Nambu,
makes clear that, as a public body, sign a collective agreement to British Council branch
it follows UK law, unless local law protect one member who turns 65
is stronger. Since the UK Equality in May this year. population and declining birth- achieve a mutual understanding
Act 2010, which outlawed forced Asked for comment the rate, the Japanese government is on this matter and are committed
retirement, the staff and their British Council responded that encouraging organisations to review to making changes that are
Union have argued the practice they have been operating in full and adjust relevant policies.” consultative with all colleagues.”
should not happen anywhere in compliance with all Japanese They added that their office in Meanwhile, Tokyo teachers and
the British Council globally. The laws since 1953. Japan “is currently in the process of other staff pay that it is 11 years
Council’s office in Japan, however, It made no mention of UK law reviewing its retirement policy. We since the Union first raised the
maintains a policy of mandatory but stated: “In the last few decades, have been maintaining ongoing issue with the Council and their
retirement at 65. in response to Japan’s rapidly ageing discussions with colleagues to patience is running out.

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6 April 2023