This survey is part of a movement to investigate important inequities in the private university pension system which will likely have an adverse effect on your financial status. We request your cooperation in our efforts to redress this inequitable treatment.
Many foreign teachers and other employees are paying a substantial amount into the pension fund every month, but may not be aware that upon leaving they could receive only a small portion of their contributions as a one-time lump-sum payout.
The private university pension system provides a number of ways for Japanese members to make up insufficient years of service which are not available to non-Japanese.
Since the minimum length of service to qualify for benefits is 20-25 years (depending on date of birth), a large number of non-Japanese employees are likely to go home having worked their core career years here, but not receive significant benefits from their contributions to the system. Alternatively, some will feel forced to make important life decisions as to where they live and work based on the inability to recover their contributions should they leave. Further information regarding this issue is contained on the summary of a forum held November 20, 1997. See also "Some of the Problems with the Current Pension Law" for a brief summary of the main points.
The Shiritsu Daigaku Kyoiku Renmei (Education Federation of Private Universities) which is the umbrella organization for university labor unions, is attempting to bring this issue to national attention so that a more equitable arrangement can be established.
The purpose of this questionnaire is to provide the working committee with the information it needs in order to proceed with its efforts to change this system. We appreciate your taking the time to fill out this brief questionnaire and to bring it to the attention of other people affected by this issue.
Anyone interested in contributing their skills and efforts to this campaign is invited to contact Thomas Robb at <tom@robb.net>.
Note:Individuals who would like to find out more about the pension fund system and their rights/benefits are encouraged to obtain "A Guide to the Mutual Aid Association of Private School Personnel, 4th edition" (Shiritsu Gakkou Kyoushokuin Kyousai Kumiai no Go-Annai"). This booklet should be available at your school's personnel office or your from local "Kyosai" office.