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Fukuoka General Union attacks the outsourcing of ALT jobs to dispatch companies

March 08, 2010

THE ALT SCAM

For some time, the General Union has been warning about the negative effects of outsourcing ALT jobs to dispatch companies, but local Boards of Education throughout Japan have been paying little attention and even seem to be ignoring directives from the Ministry of Education. Boards of Education have been able to save money by switching from the JET program to teachers from dispatch companies, but this has led to a considerable deterioration in the pay, working conditions and job security of teachers.

The Fukuoka General Union has now launched a scathing attack on contracts between Boards of Education and dispatch companies, calling them 'The ALT Scam' and saying the practice is illegal. Their web page which outlines the details of the scam states: 'Since dispatch companies have been replacing ALTs from the JET program, working conditions have deteriorated. Pay has dropped, stability has been eroded, and the revolving door of non-JET ALTs shows that the system is in a mess. Local government BOEs have a moral responsibility to look after their employees. However, by outsourcing the ALT “service” they can let the dispatch company do their dirty work and claim impunity. BOEs need to abide by the law, take responsibility for ALTs employment and provide a better education for students in their care. '

To see the full information, click here.

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