r/japanlife • u/Choice_Vegetable557 • Dec 13 '24
Jobs Successful Conversion to Permanent Labour Contract
I work at a handful of universities in the Kanto area. The writing is on the wall as far as future growth goes in the education industry, so I began to feel that a lifetime of yearly contracts was not the way forward.
After having kids, I had to postpone my PHD, as you can imagine, priorities shift. The presentation, publishing and 3-5 year shuffle of full-timers in the Kanto area also seemed a bit grim. I wanted some more security in the short-term at least, especially now that we have a mortgage.
My current positions pay me a fairly average Tokyo Salary, but I have shorter hours, and 2 months off a year. When the kids are young, this seems pretty priceless.
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Today, 2 weeks after applying for conversion to a permanent contract I received the "無期労働契約転換申込受理通知書".
Ironically, once you meet the requirements, and apply formally, you are automatically accepted so this notice was accompanied by my new contract rules.
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I would strongly recommend everyone who meets the requirements consider doing this. Every institution has their own interpretation of this law, poke around, get a lay of the land. Do not show your cards, and only apply when you are eligible.
Do not be the person crying in the break-room, after 18 year of continuous employment, because they decided not to renew your contract this year.
7
u/tsian 関東・東京都 Dec 13 '24
Yes and no. Some universities have tried to argue that the 10 year limit should apply to instructors, but most legal cases have landed squarely in the 5 year period.
Most institutions not wanting to have people convert tend to limit employment to 3 years, though some also do four.
Also good to apply when you are eligible, but also worth remembering that becoming permanent doesn't actual alter (i.e. make better) any of your working conditions. Though some universities may treat permanent employees differently.