So I’m currently trying to figure out a situation with my job (English teacher). I think I’ve found myself in a black company. 8 hour work days, 45 minute breaks, the breaks are “working” breaks so we have to be in the building 30 minutes out of the 45, constantly denied requested PTO over 6 months in advanced. We have a thing where even though we were promised Sunday and Monday off, we have to work Mondays about 8 times a year with no pay increase those months.
When I applied for the job we were told if we went to the summer camp program, we got a bonus PTO day. Summer camp is 3 days first day 8am approx to 11pm but we have to sleep with the kids and are responsible for them for all night. Next day 7am~11pm but again if any wake up or whatever we’re still responsible. Last day I believe it’s 7am~4pm. The bonus PTO day is apparently assigned the following day after camp as a “clean up day”. Unsure currently if I even get the day off. Also all these camp days our breaks are one hour. The third might not have a break actually. No pay increase and contract says no overtime. Nothing in writing except some schedules given out. So I imagine I’m getting the usual as I would. After doing some reading, this appear to be in violation of the labor laws.
I am on a visa and I’m curious if I have any course of action. I’m applying to new jobs but I’m wondering if I have any leverage. I know I was dumb for signing this contract but I was in a rush for my next visa so I took the bait. There has also been some power harassment issues and no training, advisement or HR who can go to (although I know first hand HR is not on my side). I’m considering going to a lawyer but I’m not sure what my other options are. I considered unionizing but I’m not sure if it’s viable considering the staff is split between Japanese staff with very differing contracts, (non Japanese) part timers, and (non Japanese) full timers.
by Spaghetbby