February 9, 2022

Teachers at the major Osaka-based English language school ECC Co., Ltd. on February 7 formed their own union to negotiate with the company for their demands, such as improvements in work environments.

These teachers are designated as “sole proprietors” and operate “ECC Junior” English language schools for children under a franchise contract with ECC. ECC Junior classrooms are located in the homes of 10,000 franchisee teachers throughout Japan.

In addition to the improvement of ECC Junior franchise owners’ work environments, the union demands that the company specify the franchise owners’ degree of allowable discretion regarding the operation of ECC Junior classrooms and not change the franchise contract unilaterally.

The union leader expressed her hope that with the organization of the union, ECC Junior school franchise owners will be able to negotiate with the company on an equal footing.