There is little reason to believe that we Nova teachers will be paid on October 15. What can we do about it?
We will walk out.
We will not work without being paid. It’s quite possible that deceived staff members will try to tell us that we should work because the company is about to receive some large sum of money. We do know that Saruhashi has apparently made a deal with the devil and gutted out the company to sell ownership to two funds in the British Virgin Islands.
We’re being taken for fools. They’re making fun of us. And that’s wrong.
Regardless of Saruhashi’s transaction, the company is broke. It cannot pay us, and it is illegal to delay salary payment in Japan.
Our only weapon is our work. If we hold that back, it wil bring the attention needed to the plight of staff and instructors.
Thus, we must start planning. This is a forum for those who seek to help, plan, or find out what’s going on. No need to keep The Walkout a secret. If pay is not in bank accounts by 3pm on October 15, we must walk out.
In the comments, let’s organize. Share media contacts and details. On the afternoon of the 15th and morning of the 16th we must go to head offices in Osaka and Tokyo and make sure the media come along. Let’s start planning…
72 Comments
October 10, 2007 at 7:08 pm
When did this site go up?
To be honest, I hope every employee in NOVA from the AAM’s on down visit here, and join in the walkout… it is the only viable option left imo.
October 10, 2007 at 11:14 pm
Good stuff. Individual toppatsu is too passive. We need to draw continued attention public attention to our plight. I suggest we have a sit in. Turn up but refuse to work. Following this we should all go to our nearest central/honko branch to protest at not being paid and being strung along. Invite the media. One last thing: KEEP IT CIVIL.
October 11, 2007 at 12:34 am
Why go sit in at your branch and waste the travel money! It costs me 960 yen to get to work and back each day.
October 11, 2007 at 1:24 am
At last. Please print out the front page, bring it to work and fax it to every number in your local area. Spread the word!
October 11, 2007 at 2:45 am
D – It went up a bit late, but hopefully just in time.
WinklePicker, I agree 100% KEEP IT CIVIL. Do not be baited by anyone.
To get media attention, as many instructors and staff members have to go to the head offices.
October 11, 2007 at 2:56 am
to those of you too scared to take any action….NOVA is expecting this, and they know there is nothing they can do to stop it. Once they fail to pay us (again) the contract you signed is only good for toilet paper. They know they don’t have a leg to stand on if people walk and that is why they try to scare newer or more impressionable instructors into continuing to come to work…..DON”T GET SUCKED IN. Good luck with the walk out guys
October 11, 2007 at 2:56 am
If you’re going to walk out then effectively you are striking. And if you do that without a union and proper procedure then NOVA can terminate your contract. (Which does mean you can get the dole right away.) So, if you are going to do something like this, at least call in sick. Even if you are at work, call in and say you are going home because of stress.
October 11, 2007 at 4:17 am
Striking is illegal. NOVA can call the police and have you forcibly taken away if you do a sit-in. This just makes everyone look bad.
Call in on the 15th and say you aren’t coming to work. Your money should be in the bank before your shift starts. If it’s not, call in and give the real reason. If a miracle happens and you get paid by 3pm, have a drink and celebrate.
From the moderator: Bullshit on all counts. Striking is not illegal in Japan. This is not the Soviet Union. We’re talking about a picket, not a sit-in. Any further comments from you will be deleted. All Nova employees need to be aware of misinformation being provided by plants like this one.
October 11, 2007 at 4:19 am
This is a great idea, but it only works if we ALL go in together. We have to go to head offices en masse. Going to your branch does NOT help. We have to make this very public and draw attention. Keeping it quiet is counterproductive.
Bring the media, bring your friends. Bring sympathizers. Keep it civil, but not quiet.
October 11, 2007 at 6:00 am
the only way to make a mark is to
have an entire branch not show up.
that way we all make a stand. even
if everyone dosent show up for 1
day it will be a start.
the company must be made aware
how messed up the situation is,
and we are MAD AS HELL AND NOT
GOING TO TAKE IT ANYMORE ! ! ! !
October 11, 2007 at 6:07 am
Good idea, Boom Boom, but merely not showing is simply not enough. At this point, Nova is done. They couldn’t pay us if they wanted to. What we need is high profile media attention to force a prompt and decisive bakruptcy, so we can start to get unpaid wages and move on.
Hopefully, a BIG turnout at the head offices will help our cause. Getting a whole branch to no-show is great, but means little if those instructors then stay home.
We need a big turnout, preferably including the TIs and higher-ups, as well as the Japanese staff, who are also getting royally screwed.
October 11, 2007 at 7:03 am
Yes, to be noticed it has to be at head office. Who can alert the media? Best call seems to be to call in, say you’re sick and walk out.
October 11, 2007 at 7:49 am
Why even say you’re sick? What are we hedging for? Call in and tell them why you’re not coming. At this point, what difference does a larger or smaller pay deduction make when we’re not going to get paid anyway?
If you’re in class, walk out – tell the students exactly why. Tell the staff exactly why and encourage them to join you. Most won’t, but you have to try.
The main thing is that we all have to meet in the same place at the same time. Talk without action means nada.
October 11, 2007 at 7:50 am
Good idea, Organisenow!
October 11, 2007 at 9:17 am
How about signs? Who’s going to make those up? What should they say?
NHK’s done stuff on Nova before – they might show up. This should be printed and faxed to every news organization.
October 11, 2007 at 9:55 am
I am trying to post a link to this site in every major nova group I know of…facebook, myspace, yahoo groups. please help me spread this to other forums you know of.
October 11, 2007 at 10:19 am
Hi People. Paul Vermehren. Instructor number 21205. Naha Main Place in Naha.
You know, if the dumb fuck monkey bridge had been honest, and told us our salary would be late last month; and when we would be truly paid, and furthermore why the salaries were late, I might have been tempted to hang in there. But the bastard has just told lie after lie, or said nothing at all (to the J-staff too).
I think I might have a fever next tuesday (day off monday). Toppatsu. Along with at least 6 other of the 10 teachers we have.
Forgive my poor wording. Beer number 5. I actually went to work today. I like my students. 6 years I been teachin them. Couldnt be arsed wearin a tie. Wore a kariushi shirt (like aloha). Its considered business attire in Okinawa. Manager screamed at me in front of the students. (Hi Mayumi!) Students were startled to say the least. Yeah, I know…I should be professional and wear a tie and business shirt. But, you know, the students complimented my smart dress. Furthermore, I asked her if I was goin to get my salary on Monday. She screamed “I DONT KNOW! I HAVE BEEN WAITIN 3 WEEKS!” so I asked her camly “so why are u still working here when its obvious we are going bankrupt?” She screamed and moved as if to slap me “I HAVE A RESPONSIBILITY!” I burst out laughing. I have a responsibility to my family in Scotland. I need to send money to my dad every month. If nova has ANY responsibilty it is to those poor students who have been lied to, the staff who havent been paid, and to us poor fuckers who uprooted; came to Japan to entertain the bored housewifes; teach the kids “its a monkey” and so on…etc etc etc. Um…where exactly is the managers responsibility?
Opinion Poll;
How many students have quit because they realised they had been lied to by nova?
How many students have quit because sensei forgot to wear a tie.
Oh christ. Walk out people. J Staff too (you dont deserve this kind of treatment for all the hard work you do.)
Paul.
October 11, 2007 at 11:21 am
Paul, I think we all agree with you here. Even five beers in, you make a good case.
Jake, Unrested, good ideas.
Why don’t we say that those commenting here take it upon themselves to organize? Get your co-workers together (including Japanese staff!), delegate responsibility. If your whole branch is in, get together this weekend and make signs. (I don’t think it would be unfair to put some polite pressure on those who are unwilling to help us help each other. I can understand a bit of trepidation, but everyone who holds out is kind of hurting our cause, hence their own.)
Tip off media outlets via e-mail – everyone should do this. Say that you, personally, are joining a demonstration, that it will be big, and explain why you’re doing it.
Mr. Novawalkout, do have maps of head offices, so people can see where to go?
We have to start talking details. I say that if you don’t see the money by noon, it’s time to go. (A transfer made on time would be in your bank account by noon.) This would put us in front of head offices in mid-afternoon, which would be good for media coverage.
October 11, 2007 at 12:38 pm
Contacts:
Japan Times: https://form.japantimes.co.jp/info/contact_us.html
(Choose “National news/ business” as the Section.)
Asahi Shimbun:
http://www.asahi.com/shimbun/honsya/e/e-access.html
Daily Yomiuri:
Telephone 03-3217-8231
Fax 03-3217-8247
Business fax 03-3279-6324
E-mail dy@yomiuri.com
Osaka Office:
Newsroom 06-6366-1896
Fax 06-6366-1897
Those are the English papers. Pls start contacting them now. If a lot of ppl contact them it looks more credible.
If you know any other contact info, post it here ASAP.
October 11, 2007 at 12:45 pm
I don’t work for NOVA, but I’ve been following the story – to all NOVA teachers, good luck and ganbatte.
October 11, 2007 at 12:45 pm
I called my manger about 30 minutes ago. Beer 7. or 8. I apologised for making her angry.
Well, to be honest, shes a nice girl and she hasnt been paid for three weeks (as she pointed out through her screams). She must be at wits end.
I dont condone what she did.
But, shes another example of blinded J-staff who dont believe that J-companies can go under.
A rude awakening awaits.
So, Mr Pride (um, any connection to Gary Pride? Um…G-Pride? Long story.
Anyways. I think it would be wonderful to get the J-staff on our side. But tread carefully. I am not an expert in Japanese law, so I cry out for someone knowledgable to give some advice.
Beer 8.
I might have hemerrhoids tomorrow. Would love to see Osaka staff try to spell that on the topppatsu form. well, i sure as hell cant.
hemorhoids? I think there is an “A” somewhere… (YEAH! THE PLACE WHERE U GET THE GRAPES!!) god, only I laugh at my jokes.
October 11, 2007 at 1:44 pm
Call in sick. A walk out, what ever you call it, is stupid, calling attention to the “plight” of instructors, stupid. How can either of these create enough money to pay all the employees of Nova? There is NO MONEY. Accept that, call in sick, move on.
October 11, 2007 at 2:44 pm
If you make signs, be damn sure to make signs supporting Team SuperNova Racing. Google their website, a team of 12+ people and 2 professional drivers plus millions of dollars worth of high-speed machinery. Of course there must be sponsors funding a lot of it, but it’s just silly. The entire team budget is probably now worth about 25% of the company.
Go Team SuperNova!!!
October 11, 2007 at 2:59 pm
If I am not paid on the 15th I will not work on the 16th. I am not a union member. This is between me and my employer. Everyone deserves protection under the law–not just union members. I will call NOVA on the 16th and tell them that I will work as soon as my pay comes. I did this last time and my AAM supported me fully. NOVA will not sue you. Everyone call in if you are not paid.
Ian Blood
34190
AT at Higashi Kishiwada
October 11, 2007 at 3:23 pm
This from a posting on Let’s Japan:
For those interested in Kyoto branches, the word from their J-staff supervisor is that only three branches have NOT been served with eviction notices. They are Kyoto Eki, Kita Oji and Nagaoka Tenjin. The Kyoto branch referred to in today’s press is Shijo Omiya.
October 11, 2007 at 4:13 pm
[...] About Welcome to the Nova Walkout! [...]
October 12, 2007 at 9:20 am
Naa, perhaps you don’t understand the reasoning behind the demonstration. It is not to force Nova to pay – they can’t. It is to bring publicity to the issue to force a clean declaration of bankruptcy – this is the only way we’re going to get our money and be able to move on. If there’s a bankruptcy, the company will be liquidated. Once that’s done, we’ll be able to get most of our unpaid wages from the government.
If there is no bamkruptcy, if Nova keeps lingering, it’s terrible for us. We want this to just be over.
Bringing media attention to the situation is not about publicizing our “plight,” but about showing customers, investors, and even some of our fellow employees that there’s no point in supporting or carrying on with this farce – it’s not helping anyone.
Telling your immediate boss, who has no information and no power to do anything, doesn’t really do anything. AAMs, BTs, RAAMs – all of the education side – can do squat.
Ian, I respect your stance, but getting support from your AAM doesn’t mean much. We need public embarrassment for Nova’s directors. We need media attention.
You could cut your losses, or you could do a few simple things to attempt to get the best end to this for everyone involved.
Is there any reason NOT to do this? What are the other options? Showing up to work? You perpetuate your own misery.
Calling in sick and staying home to drink beer? That’s just laziness and cowardice. You could be helping people, but you’re too cool for that. Instead, you’ll participate in your own fucking.
Sometimes you have to try, you have to stand up.
October 12, 2007 at 10:53 am
Sorry. I want to make it clear that the general “you” in the last part there was not meant to refer to Ian at all.
October 12, 2007 at 1:22 pm
‘From the moderator: Bullshit on all counts. Striking is not illegal in Japan’
‘I am not a union member. This is between me and my employer. Everyone deserves protection under the law–not just union members.’
I’m not having a go or trying to prevent protest BUT….
Can you confirm a legal right to strike for non union employees in Japan?
from my reading of the English language info available there is no protection for non union members in case of dismissal for unauthorised strike action.
Non union members HAVE protection under the law – you need to go to your local Labour Standards Office and file a formal complaint to get the ball rolling.
Bear in mind that Osaka & Tokyo teachers got paid on time in September so non payment on Monday will be a first for them – this could have ramifications for unemployment claims and govt insurance on unpaid salary.
PLEASE get appropriate advice from Labour Standards about your situation …. THEN instigate the most public protest possible within the law.
Don’t give Monkeybraidge any legal or media leverage to spin this against the teachers
Again, if I’m wrong please correct me and provide the info needed.
October 12, 2007 at 2:58 pm
BT Privatisation:
It’s all very simple. If you are a union member, walk out.
Most of us are not union members, so you do one of two things: 1) Call in sick or 2) lodge a complaint with the Labor Standards Office.
Let’s say I go to work. At 3:01pm I will check my bank account. If there’s no money, I am sick and I have to go home.
October 12, 2007 at 3:08 pm
Option a) is legally not that simple – ‘I’m suddenly sick at 3;01′ because I haven’t been paid’ equals unofficial strike action.
If people call in and say they’re sick for consecutive days they MAY need proof of this if they try and claim unpaid wages later on.
There are lots of people throwing the words ‘walkout’ and ’strike’ around and these have a legal context especially if (for most people) they aren’t union members.
October 12, 2007 at 3:52 pm
So we get fired from a job that isn’t going to pay by a company short of labor that can’t pay.
We can toppatsu twice, the third requires an explanation. I don’t think anyone at Nova is going to NOT know the real reason for the mountain of toppatsus.
I think of this as de facto unionization. If we all go, Nova has to decide whether to fire everyone or not. They’ll also have to show grounds for each individual person they fire. Unlikely.
The union in Tokyo was talking about wage increases and working conditions in August, even early September. This is AFTER Japanese staff we paid late and Nova started posting record losses. Clear signs that there was trouble ahead. Analysts had been calling Nova’s demise before that. Did the union do anything? Has the union organized anything other than info sessions? Has it even attempted to take any action? If so, it’s been quiet about it.
Daft. Useless. Sometimes I get the feeling that the union leaders like the idea of being union leaders more than they like working for workers.
Unions require dues, too. Is the Union going to organize a strike, walkout, or any other action? Does the Union have a strike fund set up for its members?
Will the Union take on new members, some of whom can’t pay, now?
Union guys, if you’re reading this, it’s about time to do something. It was about time a while ago. Your advice is much appreciated, but part of leading a union is taking the lead.
Are you going to do that?
If not, do you have a better idea?
Oh, and regular instructors in Tokyo and Osaka, and ONLY regular instructors in Tokyo and Osaka, were paid on payday, half a day late, but on payday.
Japanese staff were not, TIs were not, instructors outside of Tokyo and Osaka were not.
“I got mine, so I don’t need to do anything,” is a terrible attitude. Exactly the opposite of what a union is supposed to be about.
Right now, it sounds like the unions are the directors’ side.
There are vague, idle threats from management. Attempts to dissuade from other quarters. Now we’re looking for ways to talk ourselves out of it.
Not good. Not good at all. If this is how we deal with being screwed, lied to, and mistreated, I wouldn’t pay our spineless asses either.
October 12, 2007 at 4:26 pm
BT: Option a is legally that simple.
You have been disproved and debunked. Any further comments from you will NOT appear on this board. Plants are not welcome.
October 12, 2007 at 4:55 pm
I completely agree with pride. Only regular instructors in Osaka and Tokyo were paid on time. I work in Osaka and my pay was two weeks late last month.
I am also fully aware that I am able to call in sick and give the reason “I have not been paid”. Nova are allowing instructors to do this as it is a perfectly legitimate reason. As is “stress”, “the president is a twat” etc. Please remember, any staff member that answers your phone call has also not been paid. Almost all of them (including foreign personnel) are on our side. It is the same side. The difference is we have the numbers to make the impact that is needed.
Hundreds of teachers independently calling in sick or leaving work cannot be considered a strike, unless you say “I am going on strike”. It can only be considered a strike if you remain on company property and refuse to work.
Therefore, this website and idea are excellent and legal.
To all instructors who are personally identifying themselves, I take my hat off to you all.
I will pass this information to all ears I deem sympathetic.
October 12, 2007 at 5:49 pm
Mr Walkout
If you read what I posted you’d see
a) supported action using legally correct channels
b) queried whether the ’sick’ option is viable when you are in fact striking.
Which poster disproved or debunked either?
What labour law are you quoting ?
If I’m wrong then great – I didn’t enjoy waiting for my money for 2 weeks last time and I don’t want the same again. At the same time I don’t want to give any leverage to the stealing monkey faced bastard.
it’s sad that you chose to accuse me of being a plant without the courtesy of a PM to find out where I’m coming from.
October 12, 2007 at 9:12 pm
[...] check the veracity of the fax. You’re starting to feel grateful you started thinking about a Nova Walkout all those months [...]
October 12, 2007 at 9:25 pm
You will all be told that pay’s forthcoming on the 19th, then the 25th when Sahashi’s cronies in the British Virgin Isles exercise their warrants.
This is not a company turning a profit, this is a sad last ditch attempt that should be ignored as too little too late. Keep the faith and if you’re not paid on Monday, walk away.
October 12, 2007 at 9:59 pm
It was confirmed tonight that instructors will not be paid on the 15th October. Looking at the 19th now for our salaries!!
Will be a very interesting week ahead at nova!
October 12, 2007 at 10:28 pm
Its just been confirmed by Saruhashi that we will not be paid until NEXT friday. I toppatsu from tomorrow.
October 12, 2007 at 10:53 pm
For the 3 sick day rule – it is not in the contract that you need to prove that you are sick. Thats all that should be binding you. The Guidelines state that you need proof for the 3rd consecutive day.
I call Osaka around the start of this month and said im on leave for stress until after next pay day. I then went to a doctor and told him the same thing, he gave me a certificate saying i am not in a condition to work and i havent been in since the end of september. It cost 4000yen at the doctors and i didnt even bother to claim it on insurance.
Everyone should have done that earlier…
October 13, 2007 at 12:07 am
I am an ordinary Nova teacher. I am surprised that practically all the posts here support the walkout.
I am against the walkout. And I’ll tell you why.
Firstly, if Nova goes bankrupt, I will have to go back to my home country very soon and leave everything I have built up in Japan, friends and future. I believe, many other Nova teachers are in this situation too.
Even if I can stay, my life would become much more difficult.
Moreover, I think, Nova is more than its leadership and its mistakes. It represents a value by itself, which is worth saving. Most students, at least mine, like the company and the teachers, and they cannot find anything similar in other language schools.
Just beating at the company at this moment and demanding something it obviously cannot give right now, what does it help?
Salaries have been delayed for many people, that’s true, but so far they have arrived eventually and the company is still alive.
I believe, if we have any interest in Nova to continue its business and not loose all our jobs, we should not walk out as soon as our salary is delayed.
However, if our interest is to accelerate the downward spiral and help Nova go bankrupt as soon as possible, yes, then we should walk out.
But I will not join in.
October 13, 2007 at 3:55 am
Henry,
Then go home. Those of us in Japan with families to support have no need for turncoats.
Good luck with your sense of solidarity with those you have worked with.
October 13, 2007 at 8:00 am
I am not a turncoat, never have been. I understand the situation of people who have to support families. And I myself do not want to loose what I have built up in Japan either (my Visa expires soon).
Just let me ask one question: What do we want or hope to achieve with this walkout?
It would make sense, if the Nova leadership was sitting on a heap of profits and did not want to give us our share. But as it is right now, I can only see that a massive walkout of teachers would exacerbate the feeling of instability among students, even more of them would give back their points, and Nova could quickly be driven into insolvency.
Please give me some really good reasons for this walkout, and I might join in anyway.
October 13, 2007 at 9:35 am
We’re not getting paid. It’s all over anyway. I’ll be there for sure. I hope the faxes about salary get to the press.
October 13, 2007 at 9:36 am
We’re not getting paid. It’s all over. I hope the faxes with the salary information get to the press.
October 13, 2007 at 10:18 am
The students are walking out in droves and claiming refunds. Estate agents are closing buildings and making staff, teachers and students walkout. Even the President has walked out on his responsibilites. It’s over for Nova. How anyone can teach in the present environment beats me. Yes, be careful by all means about keeping within the law and protecting unemployment payments, but for christ sake! Nova cannot be saved.
October 13, 2007 at 11:29 am
I have been back in Canada for 11 months, after I lived in Tokyo for 2.5 years and was a Nova teacher for 2 of those years.
I just wanted to say, for what its worth, that the entire experience was awesome, life changing even… and Nova was a big part of that.
Despite the monotony of using the same books and lessons, day after day, I am very grateful for the experience entirely: from my nova apartment the first year and the roomates i met and vented with, and mostly the other teachers and japanese staff who provided an instant social network and support in the new land. Memories of partying, taking the trains, shopping, travelling, seedy Rappongi – none of it would have been the same if i hadnt worked for that dopey huge company and met the awesome people who would become my lifeline abroad – staff, teachers, students, all friends in the end.
I remember being the disgruntled gaijin, many times, and hearing all the recent nova news, i totally regret this now! I got paid, i got what was promised…i got out ok. I feel for any nova teacher now dealing with the whole mess…
This is likely the last thing most of you wanna hear, but hear me out! If anything guys, we should all be too grateful that we at least got to have the experience, right? The russian girls in rappongi (who used to scare the crap out of me!!) im sure have had a very different experience working in the big city…
So if your love affair with Japan is cut short unexpectedly, and you decided to walk away, or go home…dont feel defeated. It took alot of courage to make this journey abroad in the first place, be proud of that.
And although i know its hard to “think of the big picture”…try to. one months salary at nova is like 250-280000Y right? thats maybe 2200 Cdn dollars…so think of it this way…in the scheme of your whole life, what is a couple of grand? Money can always be earned again, some other place, some other time.
**What cant be replaced is your great time in Japan! so i would hope everyone remembers this, and doesnt let dopey Nova sour their opinion of Japan. Most importantly, dont let this company push you out! if you have time left on your visa, but are ready to go home, i sincerely hope you will spend your last days revelling in Japan’s beauty, uniqueness…check out the museums, parks, gardens you never could because you had to work weekends! My last week in japan was work free, and it was a great send off…party with friends, go out all night…and sleep in for once!
Dont go home defeated, go home content. That you did the best you could, and saw what you could while you could.
Tokyo is truly one of the most facinating, amazing, civil, peaceful places ive ever been to. Now that im back in my “real” life, i feel so completely grateful to japan and nova. Ill leave with this note: The only place i can honestly say as a woman i felt confident and safe to walk alone at night, even stumbling drunk from the bar! – was Tokyo. Ill always be grateful for that sense of freedom, that spring to my step.. Tokyo will always be a part of my heart…Nova too (sniff…)
October 13, 2007 at 3:07 pm
Henry Y, do you really not get it? Do you really think that Nova might recover in any form that would keep you in your job. If you do, I have a bridge to sell you.
Don’t you see what’s happening? Nova is following a rather standard pattern of collapse. IT IS OVER, my friend. Don’t hurt yourself with false hope.
Do you really think you’re going to get paid next Friday? Wake up, man. Nova is waiting until the warrants it sold are exercised.
Besides, walking out doesn’t mean you’ll be fired or that Nova will go under.
You can stay in Japan and not work for Nova. You can stay in Japan and get paid for your work. Leaving Nova need not mean leaving Japan or your friends.
October 13, 2007 at 5:46 pm
I will be picketing. I don’t care if anyone joins me. I am picketing. I work at MM. Who will join me?
October 13, 2007 at 6:56 pm
Here’s something I’m wondering — if you’re terminated for a striking/not coming to work without medical leave, are you disqualified from receiving unemployment money? My understanding of Japanese is limited, but from the Japanese unemployment information page, I got the impression that you only receive unemployment if you are fired due to circumstances beyond your control (company declares bankruptcy, company is restructured). Check with the labour offices when you go to file a complaint!
October 13, 2007 at 8:15 pm
I wish more people south Hyogo pref. knew more about this news, it seems I am the only one and everyone is going on blissfully in hope of pay on Monday, er sorry Friday due to MonkeyBridge’s whore bill being more important than paying the teachers.
I am calling in sick tommarow, have Monday & Tuesday off, show up for work on Wed. with my resignation papers and everything and quit right there because of pay.
A student in voice did tell me an interesting sentance the other day: “Nova is sinking faster than a lead Titantic.”
October 14, 2007 at 12:09 am
I can see that my last comment, after 16 hours, is still “awaiting moderation”. Does this mean, my comments are not welcome in this forum, because I don’t agree with the majority of the other contributors?
October 14, 2007 at 1:37 am
Unemployment and unpaid wages are two different things. If you want to be assured of getting your unpaid wages, you want to be employed when the company declares bankruptcy. Keep in mind that going broke and declaring bankruptcy are not the same thing.
Nova could drag this on for ages by stripping everything down to one school and finding one sorry dude to sit there in it.
On the other hand, to think that Nova is going to fire you for “striking” is a delusion of grandeur. A walkout, a picket, is not a strike. Even if it were, with the shape Nova’s in, I wouldn’t worry about it. The people who would normally fire you are going to sympathize because they’ve been screwed even worse.
TIs and higher ups needs to be at this walkout even more than regular instructors. Their position in life in general might be a bit more stable and they might be more established in Japan, but AAMs and RAAMs are going to have an even harder time finding jobs than instructors.
Let’s talk specifics here people. Friday the 19th is probably a lie, the 25th will be promised and it is likely that some people will get some money, but no one will get their due and most will get nothing.
Specifics. Maps to the head offices are posted on this site. Everyone needs to make signs (preferably some in Japanese, too), get as many people on board as possible (I recommend directing people to the many press articles on the subject as well as to Japan Economy News and Blog, Let’s Japan, Trans-Pacific Radio, and other blogs covering this with hard facts), get your group together, and make it to the head offices. Even if it’s far for you, find a way. Take a cheap bus, hitchhike, hope the ticket gates around Tokyo break down again, take local trains – do what you can. If at all possible, be at the head offices by 1:00 p.m.
Anybody like this plan?
If you absolutely cannot make it to a head office, get coordinated. Make phone calls. Get as many people in one place protesting as you can – the bigger the group, the better.
October 14, 2007 at 8:07 am
After reading the whole thread once more, especially the posts by Pride, I am starting to doubt if my hopes, Nova might still have some possibility to recover, have any basis.
Maybe I am too naive, because I am not very knowledgable in the financial field.
Could you, Pride, or someone else, please explain more about this? I really want to understand, so I can judge the situation better.
Here are my questions:
1. Why doesn’t Sahashi declare bankrupcy already at this point? What is the advantage for him or Nova?
2. Why did he make the deal with the equity firms, if Nova does not get enough money out of it to save the company?
3. Pride, you say, Nova is waiting until the warrants it sold to the equity companies are exercised. What will be the advantage for Nova and what does it mean, moneywise?
4. Basically, I want to understand, what Nova’s strategy is at the monent. Are there any advantages letting the companies linger on for a while? Are the leaders just trying to get some money for themselves from the equity firms, before letting the ship sink? Or are they really trying to pay us?
I hope someone can clarify.
October 14, 2007 at 10:27 am
people in my area are debating as when to strike? were all thinking that come friday 19th if its not there by three pm, then were walking out/calling sick.
this be the case, will people be meeting at head office?
October 14, 2007 at 5:27 pm
WHEN AND WHERE?
The 15th of October is TOMORROW!
At what location and at what time exactly are we meeting?
And what is the plan from there?
October 15, 2007 at 1:25 pm
I feel really sorry for you poor bastards. Having jumped ship a year ago I am really glad to have avoided all this.
A present I got from my manager-san on leaving sums up Japan quite well for me. It’s a fan, with a Japanese girl half looking back over her shoulder. But it’s not her or me walking away, it’s her closing off a world I knew.
Enjoy your time, learn all you can and experience as much as is offered. Lead by example.
October 15, 2007 at 1:36 pm
Henry Y,
1. I’m not sure why he doesn’t declare bankruptcy, but some possible advantages are being abel to get quick cash to pay off creditors, etc. Basically, Nova doesn’t have much in the way of assets, esp. not tangible assets, which is where money to pay creditors would come from in a bankruptcy – the liquidation of assets.
Saruhashi has made so many bizarre choices at this point that it’s hard to see why he does what he does anymore. My guess is that there are three possibilities: he’s getting money out of this somehow, he’s in debt to yakuza or other shady figures, or he just won’t give up on his baby.
2. He made the deal because he needs cash desperately. Options to save the company were exhausted a couple of months ago and future options are nil – partly because Saruhashi refuses to step down.
At this point, it’s all about trying to get whatever money you can and, if he’s lucky, making the landing a little bit softer.
3. What this means moneywise depends on how many warrants the funds exercise (how many shares they buy at 35 yen). This will give Nova a jolt of cash (I’m not sure about the legality of it), which will enable it to pay some salaries and possibly line up some more cash. There is speculation that Nova is trying to take out loans against future earnings to come from the exercise of the warrants.
At this point, though, it’s like taking out a loan against your future paycheck, for the amount of the paycheck or more, in order to make it to the next paycheck, but falling a little bit short each time.
4. Basically, “Yes” on all three questions in there, I think. As for what the advantages are to letting the company linger, there could be many answers ranging from personal financial incentives for Saruhashi (although I kind of doubt this) to him being in bigger trouble than just running a failing company to mere face.
I think Nova is trying to pay us. Not out of the goodness of their hearts, but because they want to get out of legal trouble.
The directors of Nova are, to mix metaphors, in up to their necks and over their heads. For them, it’s a scrabble for survival. For the speculators, it’s a chance for a quick buck. One thing is 100% clear – this is NOT an investment in Nova in any way, shape or form.
There is zero chance of a Nova recovery and us resuming our jobs as we did before.
How you handle that, is up to you, but at the least, I hope you’re taking your job-hunting very seriously.
What’s the story, fellas? I hear rumors of a Union protest tomorrow. No reason we can’t go out twice.
I say 3:00 today. I’m going. I’ll be there. Who’s with me?
October 15, 2007 at 7:33 pm
Phew! What a great day! there was a great amount of people turned up to the protest today in Shinjuku, Tokyo. Im sure Nova got the message alright. What I was personally surprised with was the Japanese turnout aswell. Turns out the other staff (not teachers) have some backbone as well. All in all a great day and Im proud to have participated.
October 15, 2007 at 8:46 pm
Nice to see such a big turnout today. I hear it was just great in Osaka as well. Good to see so many people were willing to stand up for themselves. Thanks, guys. I hope you’ll turn out for the Union-backed demonstartions tomorrow, too.
October 16, 2007 at 12:22 am
Are you guys being serious? Or what? I got to Shinjuku NS biru at 4.20 and there was no one there…; NO ONE there at all. On top of this my collegues who all talked big on saturday saying they wouldnt come in on monday, have all decided to give nova till friday. Do they not remember the lies upon lies of last month????????? what the hell????? am i the only person in nova with a spine??? i am shocked and appaulled. was there actually a rally at the NS shinjuku today or what???
October 16, 2007 at 10:12 am
Solitaire, we were being sarcastic. Assuming no one is lying (and I see no reason why anyone would, four people showed up – Martin, you, one of the guys from Trans-Pacific Radio, and me. I was there from 3:00 to a little after 5:00, at which point I had a pint in the Rose & Crown. I saw no other foreigners (read: Western-looking people.)
It’s a big place, I guess the four of us missed each other. That said, it’s pretty fucking pitiful that FOUR people showed up, and one was there to cover it more than to protest. So that means THREE of our sorry asses were there and we drew the attention of ONE person. Great.
Everything that’s said about Nova teachers being spineless, ineffectual wimps who take ass rammings as a result is correct. Anyone care to prove me wrong? I’d love to see it.
And, for fuck’s sake, seriously, for those Nova teachers who think the company can be saved. PULL YOUR HEADS OUT OF YOUR ASSES. Please.
It’s over.
Now get off your duffs and help out a bit, would you?
October 16, 2007 at 12:13 pm
“Cannot see the forest for the trees”
Not getting paid sucks. Not knowing when or if we will also sucks. Basically not knowing much of anything at any level (having spoken with both my AAM and RAAM) sucks.
I am angry and support the idea of action, but I question if a walkout is going to get us what we want.
Some facts:
1) Students provide the company with income.
(I am not aware of another primary source at the time of writing).
2) Student based income is for lessons, kids, voice and MM.
(i.e. other forms of income like book sales are incidental and not enough to pay wages)
3) Student trust in the company has fallen sharply. (see wikkipedia for relevant sources and details)
Some math:
Less students is less income.
Less income is less pay and more delay.
Less trust is less students.
Conjecture:
A walkout costs students.
Result:
Blood from a stone.
Do the math; show me how a walkout gets me my money, and I’ll march anywhere, anytime.
Till you do the math: students are the only people who are gonna give me dollar one, so I’m working for them.
I’m looking for other work, but so are others (NB my roommates Gaba resume was the 731st).
Want to call me a plant or spineless. Fine, go ahead. But Nova doesn’t have any information about how I’m gonna GET MY MONEY and neither do you. The walkout makes working at Nova worse for anyone who stays.
Quote:
“And, for fuck’s sake, seriously, for those Nova teachers who think the company can be saved. PULL YOUR HEADS OUT OF YOUR ASSES. Please.”
Let me edit:
“And, for fuck’s sake, seriously, for those Walkout teachers who think the company will pay you because you walked out. PULL YOU HEADS OUT OF YOUR ASSES. Please”
Suggested plan of action:
1) Go to Work. You were contracted to.
2) Look for work. You need the money.
3) If you get an interview: Toppatsu
4) If you get a job that starts immediately: Toppatsu
5) Keep it civil and be respectful of students.
I don’t like my situation, but I don’t like the walkout idea either. I am looking for alternatives. If you have some: post them! Right now I’m trying to get more information.
Hello Work offices in Tokyo:
http://www.tfemploy.go.jp/en/coun/cont_1.html
Phone: 03-3204-8609
October 16, 2007 at 3:21 pm
There was about 60 people at the (more useful perhaps) protest at the Labour Standards office today in Osaka, delivering a demand for the Standards office to demand wage payment and/or start criminal proceedings against Nova management for late payment of wages.
Watch the news today, there was a lot of media there.
Perhaps not all Nova teachers are “spineless, ineffectual wimps…”.
October 17, 2007 at 2:27 pm
Mori, have you read the thread?
It doesn’t matter what customers think. You clearly have not looked at the financials. There is no chance of a financial recovery. The walkout is designed to force a bankruptcy. That’s how you’ll get your money.
After a bankruptcy, the process by which we can claim unpaid wages begins.
Contracts are meaningless, they’ve been breached. If Nova attracts, literally, a million new students in the next couple of weeks, OK, it stands a chance. It’s not in the clear, it stands a chance. Nova has broken every one of its contracts with employees and with most of its students as well.
The walkout is not drawing blood from a stone, it’s trying to force the company to do the right thing and end this farce.
Protestor, I tihnk you’re right that protesting in front of the LSO is a good idea.
However, 60 people turning out confirms my abusive comments above. If we assume the same numbers in Tokyo (not the case, but I’m giving this the benefit of the doubt), we’re looking at just over 2% of the foreign staff. Really freaking impressive. Almost 98% of the foreigners at Nova can’t be bothered to help out.
October 18, 2007 at 11:11 am
Hey all,
I’m came very close to working for NOVA last year but decided to work for myself instead…and finally ended up working for a small company.
I’m really sorry to hear about all your troubles and wish everyone the best of luck!
Now, if any of you are interested, my company is looking for a good teacher to work in Kitakyushu. If there is someone who lives near there and is interested, you should try it out.
The salary is quite good, but the work is demanding! Monday to Friday from about 8am to 4pm.
check out the URL:
http://www.gaijinpot.com/job_view.php?jid=21063&rid=1&tr=1&cat=&full_part=1&position_type=&keyword=greenwood&location=40&selang=e&offset=0
If the link doesn’t work, search for Greenwood English Academy on gaijinpot.com under the the tab of Japan Jobs.
Make sure that you read everything clearly and follow the instructions because my employer is pretty picky and will only interview the best candidates.
Good luck with everything!
October 18, 2007 at 11:30 am
hmm, maybe my maths or my information is wrong, if 60 people is 2% that means there are 3000 people working at Nova in the Osaka area, but only about 5000 in Nova in the whole of the country. That’s quite a heavy centralisation. Or did you mean 2% of the foreign workers in the whole of Nova in Japan? In which case did you really expect people to fly in from Kyushu? Hokkaido? Okinawa? Nagoya even? to protest for a couple of hours, and use up perhaps the last of their money, which they need for rent and food?
I agree 60 people isn’t a huge number, but it’s a bigger percentage of potential protestors than you give credit for.
October 19, 2007 at 2:21 pm
So, you didn’t get paid on the 15th nor on the 19th, what will you do now? Keep working for free? My guess is Saruhashi is writing a research report on how he can get non japanese to work like slaves treat them like shit, and keep them employed long after he stops paying them. He will publish his book early next year around Feb 2008.
October 20, 2007 at 6:48 pm
So we havent been paid and now, theres another pointless, disrespectful fax going round to tell us all to wait until the 25th as payment is scheduled for then-which of course, we know is not going to happen.
I didnt go to work today (sat). I really feel that a mass toppatsu has to be made to force this idiot to make a public decision. If we continue working like morons, the issue of no pay will continue. The staff alone have continued working and they are STILL waiting one month later. If he cannot pay one months salalry for staff, somebody tell me how, on the 25th hes going to find money to pay two months salary to the japanese staff, a months salary to teachers plus whatever else he owes. People who are continuing to work are being naive and taken for a ride.
I want to know if and when people plan to do a mass toppatsu. I can only see that bankruptcy being an option, and the sooner this company halts, the sooner it will happen and the sooner we get paid.
October 21, 2007 at 3:45 am
fed up,
We’re never getting paid. There is no money. I am calling in every day – not quitting – until I find a new job.
This company is over. If staff has not been paid and we haven’t been paid, how where there be money for next month?
October 24, 2007 at 6:11 pm
Paul! You migin\’ wanker! How the heck did I run across you on this board of all places!? Send me an email and catch me up on all the gossip! Same email address. Man…glad I escaped NOVA five years ago! Cheers, big ears!
Aaron in China
October 26, 2007 at 2:44 pm
Hi guys Im sorry to say but our effective striking on October 15th in Shinjuku has directly lead to the company going bust this morning.(26th Oct, 2007) Thanks to all who took part at that time, Ill be looking forward to the next protest.
I hope this message gets out quick enough but we will go to Shinjuku NS building today at 5:30 pm in for the meeting. This meeting is held for all teachers and staff who have any questions they might have about the company. I intend to go there and ask where i can steal a Nova bunny doll. They are so cute.
Have fun, and have a good holiday from work!