The Japan Federation of Labor Lawyers (JFLL) has issued a statement regarding the need to reconsider the labor regulations, particularly the “Special Measures Law Concerning Salaries, etc. of Educational Staff of Public Elementary and Junior High Schools, etc.” (commonly known as the “Salary Special Law”), which allows for a 4% increase in base salary instead of paying overtime wages, in relation to the issues surrounding the working conditions of teachers.

The issue of excessive overtime among educators has led to problems such as overwork-related deaths, early resignations, a decline in applicants, and a shortage of teachers. This has become a significant societal concern, with apprehensions about the deterioration of the education quality.

Currently, a special subcommittee within the Central Council for Education, an advisory body under the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, is actively discussing the salary system and work reform for teachers. They aim to provide a clear direction by the spring of 2024.

On the 18th, the JFLL released a statement emphasizing that this situation is pushing public education to the brink. They are calling for the abolishment or thorough revision of the “Salary Special Law,” which allows public school teachers to receive a 4% increase in base salary in lieu of overtime pay.

The “Salary Special Law” does not consider work performed outside regular hours, except for activities like extracurricular trips, school events, staff meetings, and disaster response, as part of official labor hours. Essential tasks in school education, such as coaching club activities, creating and grading tests, and meeting with parents, are categorized as “voluntary and spontaneous efforts.”

Furthermore, these regulations apply exclusively to public schools and do not extend to national or private institutions.

The statement points out that the structure of the “Salary Special Law” has led to lax management of work hours, resulting in a situation of “unlimited fixed-sum work.” To address this, the statement suggests that providing overtime allowances to teachers would ensure better monitoring of working hours and help curb excessive overtime.

The JFLL clarifies that the objective is not merely salary increment but rather an increased effort towards creating a suitable working environment to avoid the need for extra work allowances.

The statement is set to be submitted to the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) soon and will also be distributed to members of the special subcommittee under the Central Council for Education.

The JFLL strongly urges for the establishment of an environment where teachers, who are the most immediate workers in children’s lives, can serve as positive role models for children.