コミュニティー ライフスタイル ビジネス エンターテイメント VOL. 04 NO. 18 FREE SEP. 21 – OCT. 04 2007 ESTABLISHED 1970 BY CORKY ALEXANDER THE EU AND JAPAN UNITED IN COMMON IDEALS INVESTING IN EUROPE QUICK GUIDE TO EUROPE FOR KIDS EUROPEAN MUSIC IN TOKYO www.istockphoto.com/Emrah Turudu www.istockphoto.com/Emrah © ALSO ONLINE AT WWW.WEEKENDERJAPAN.COM Are you aware of the truth and myths regarding human resources in Japan? Try your hand at TMT's Japan True or False Test. True or False Questions on Union and Staff Relations True or False – Installment #14 (May 18, 2007) (a continuing series as excerpted from the book) 46. Just 2 people (even 1 person!) can start a union in Japan, supposedly requiring you to recognize it, negotiate with it. Such a Executive Search union can also get relief from the Labor Relations Commission. 40. The Labor Standards Office can make employers hire back someone who is terminated. Your reaction: T F Personnel Policy Consulting Your reaction: T F __ 47. It is illegal and an Unfair Labor Practice to make it clear that you as an employer wants to manage in a union free environment. Rules of Employment — Set-ups and Adjustments/Staff Reduction and Cost Saving Nevinsʼ answer: T ___ F _X_ Your reaction: T F Programs/Problem Employee No. The LSO can only really make sure an employer follows guidelines set in the statutes or the 48. When a union demands to meet for collective bargaining by a certain date you have to meet them by that date. Solutions/Compensation and Benefits Design companyʼs Rules of Employment (ROE). Your reaction: T F and Change/Union and Staff Relations Nevinsʼ answer: T ___ F _X_ The first couple of lines of Nevins’ answer are below. Continuing explanation is in the book. 46. Nevins’ answer: T F Japan True or False True. In my earlier books, the prevalent legal view was, and is, that a union should at least have two members, but in reality there are several cases By Thomas J. Nevins, Founder/CEO, TMT Inc. where a Labor Relations Commission (LRC) is allowing even a single employee the procedural relief of the LRC. Because these people are loners, and there may be a majority union at the same company not backing them up, they do not have a very strong position. Nonetheless a company must be 41. If you fire an older person you could easily have a problem with an age discrimination suit adroit in defending its interests. in Japan. 47. Nevins’ answer: T F Your reaction: T F __ False. If you are OK about managing with a union, you could remain silent on how you feel on this issue. There is a whole body of information and convincing positions companies and their employees who don’t want unions can take advantage of. Using the right tactics and delivering the right messages at all-employee meetings can maintain a union-free environment. 48. Nevins’ answer: T F False. You don’t have to meet them on or by the dates they give you. If it is the start of a new union, inevitably the letter is full of legalistic language Nevinsʼ answer: T F X and threats that you will get into big trouble, and break “X” law if you do not recognize the union, and bargain with it in good faith. One could It is basically false, and it is surprising that Japan is so far behind the global standard on this. possibly argue that to meet the union right away would show that you are confident and that their presence and legalistic bombastic language does ¥20,000, US$200, 180; not scare you. 2004, soft cover, 620p They have gradually been doing more with sex discrimination and equality. They are beginning to targeted at businesses, give guidance against age discrimination at point of hire, however, they continue to overwhelm- key points in Japanese How did you do? ingly pay people, and carry out staff reductions based on age. For further details and how to order books, please visit: www.tmt-aba.com TMT Inc. Ichiban-cho K.K. Bldg., 13-8 Ichiban-cho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-0082 Tel. 03-3261-6471 Fax: 03-3221-0601 Email: [email protected] 42. If someoneʼs contract says they are paid at a certain level, the employer must continue to foreign books and magazines greeting cards party decor kitchen supplies stationary pay at that level. Your reaction: T F __ Nevins answer: T F X Unfortunately we have to say false, and that is because it is so difficult to fire people in this coun- try. It might make more sense to be able to de-hire someone rather than reduce their pay, but if Autumn has arrived a person is fighting the termination, unfortunately you are better off thinking pay reduction com- bined with a safety net severance package. Of course, contracts are contracts, and they should be The management and staff of honored as much as possible. NATIONAL AZABU and NATIONAL Den-en Supermarkets would like to wish you all the best in one of the nicest times of the year here in Japan. Halloween is just around the corner. Supplies are limited, so shop early for the best selection. Come and join our point card program* for many benefits including special prices. Too tired or too busy to go shopping? Give us a call regarding our delivery service. Our international, multi-lingual staff can help you with your shopping needs. * Please contact the store for more information regarding National Supermarkets point card and delivery area. OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK STORE HOURS 9:00 A.M.-8:00 P.M. STORE HOURS 10:00 A.M.-8:00 P.M. 4-5-2, Minami-Azabu 2-6-21, Tamagawa Denenchofu Minato-ku, Tokyo Setagaya-ku, Tokyo TEL. 03 (3442) 3181 TEL. 03 (3721) 4161 ethnic foods wines & spirits specially selected meat fresh produce specialty cheeses THINGS TO DO VOL.04 NO.18 FREE SEP. 21 – OCT. 04 2007 04 Feature Saturday, Sep 22 Saturday, Sep 29 The EU and Japan—United in Common Ideals Explore some of the lesser-known white wines Enjoy a parade, dance festival, jumbo fire-lighting 06 Movie Plus of the world at Fujimama’s Saturday Wine tug of war contest, awaodori dance, and more at the Oceans 13 and The Good Shepherd School. 3pm–5pm. ¥2,500. Sign up at Hadano Tobacco Festival. Hadano Station on the 07 Music [email protected] Odakyu line. Tel. 0463-82-5111 for more details. European Sounds in Tokyo http://navi.city.hadano.kanagawa.jp/foreigners/ 08 Fine Dining english/gyouji.html Beacon in Omotesando Sunday, Sep 23 Sunday, Sep 30 09 Diversions Mario Brunello and New World of Drama Swing your way over to Join the 10th Skills Build Forum sponsored by Marunouchi for the last People for Social Change. The day will feature 10 Investments / IT day of the Tokyo Jazz Fes- two workshops and panel discussions. Find out Investing in Europe and Tokyo Game Show tival. From 4pm. Maru- what you can do to make a difference. For more 11 Business nouchi Builidng 1F. Tel. 03-5218-5100 information email [email protected]. Ten Successful Years at PAL International School www.tokyo-jazz.com http://people-for-social-change.blogspot.com 12 Kids Monday, Sep 24 Monday, Oct 1 St. Maur’s French Section/Sponge Bob/Exploring Europe Last chance to see the best illustrators in Ja- Take advantage of cinema 14 Sports F1 and Highland Games pan at the Super Japan Illustrator’s Festival. day (¥1,000 entry) at Toho 11am–7pm. Makuhari Messe. Tel: 03-5297- cinemas Roppongi Hills 15 Partyline 6251. www.artjeuness.net and watch Warner Bros’ 18 Crossword new release No Reservations. www.tohotheater. ••• jp/theater/roppongi/index.html Tuesday, Sep 25 Tuesday, Oct 2 n this issue we celebrate the 50th anni- Make new friends at Tokyo American Club Meet fellow “Travelers with A Purpose” at the Pink versary of the EU. We focus on the close I Women’s Group “Get Acquainted Coffee”. Cow. Discuss upcoming trips with Habitat for Hu- relations that have been created between Tokyo American Club, Main Building 3F. manity and learn more about the Global Village. the EU and Japan over the years and how 10am. Tel. 03-3224-3691. Every first Tues. of the month, 7pm. The Pink Cow, we, as individuals, can benefit from the ef- Shibuya. www.habitatjp.org/index_e.php forts of the EU Commission to Japan. We profile three international musicians in Tokyo that bring a European flavor to the Wednesday, Sep 26 Wednesday, Oct 3 music scene with a little chanson, Italian ac- Aloha! Hula over to Fujimamas’ Hawaiian End K1 World Max 2007 kicks off at Nippon Bud- cordion and Spanish guitar. Staying European, of Summer Blast for great food, entertainment kan, Kudanshita from 6pm. Tel. 03-3498-999. Christine Cunanan-Miki dines at Beacon— and fun! Buffet and three drinks ¥3,500/per- www.k-1.co.jp/k-1gp/btop.htm Omotesando’s newest eatery, and Karin Ling son. Limited spaces; book yours at introduces the French Wine Tasting Club. [email protected] St Maurs International School establishes a new French Section at the school and PAL In- Thursday, Sep 27 Thursday, Oct 4 ternational School explains the secrets of suc- cess, ten fruitful years after its inauguration. Attend the JMEC 14 program information ses- View the largest collection of paintings ever sion to learn how you can strengthen your to be displayed in Japan by the beloved Zen Helen Bottomley, business skills through a business plan compe- priest Sengai at Idemitsu Museum of Arts in Managing Editor tition.