The General Union was formed in 1991 with a core group of five people. At present we have several hundred members both Japanese and non-Japanese in a variety of different types of companies and professions. Most of our members are non-Japanese working as language teachers. We have individual members or local branch unions in most of the major English Conversation schools in Kansai.
Women are well represented in the union, both at the executive and branch levels.
The General Union provides a forum in which members co-operate in activities to improve their working conditions. Wherever the union is active it seeks to combine the efforts of members on site, whether individual members or organised into a branch, with members in other workplaces. Through the involvement of all our members in as many activities as they can manage, we aim to build a strong organisation offering valuable and reliable solutions to employment problems. When you decide to join the General Union you will be invited to an orientation meeting at the head office. It is important that you attend so that you can become familiar with the organising principles of the union, and so that the union can get all the details of your situation and requirements.