9 November 2025
Berlitz Japan teachers entered dispute Sunday, November 9, demanding an 8% pay hike, other financial demands, and reduced observations of classes. Begunto (Berlitz General Union Tokyo) had struck earlier in the year but came to an early resolution.
Begunto and Berlitz Japan held several collective bargaining and off-record meetings to try to resolve the issue, but management refused to budge on any financial demands and didn’t concede enough on non-financial demands. The union also demanded more paid sick days, more paid prep time, fair and transparent scheduling and a better Happy Monday policy.
“They can underpay us and treat us well or pay us well and treat us poorly,” General Secretary Phil Eisenstat said about management. “But they can’t do both. And they have been doing so for years.”
J. Rudd, Begunto’s financial officer added, “We’ve negotiated for six months, and management refuses our demands for dignified pay, treatment, and work conditions.”
