Occurrence mechanism and resolution process of labor disputes: cases of community unions (Kyushu area)

In recent years, the number of individual labor disputes has increased. Labor unions organized outside companies have addressed the resolution of these disputes. One of major labor unions is “community union.” In this research, I conducted interview surveys of three community unions and union members in Kyushu Area (19 cases) in order to clarify how community unions play a role to settle and prevent individual labor disputes. As a result, I found that the raison d’etre of community unions for settling/preventing labor disputes is to: (i) lead to a dispute resolution with a high rate of success as well as bringing consolation to workers involved in the disputes, (ii) restore dignity to workers and motivate them to return to workplace and (iii) point out companies’ personnel or labor management problems and communications problems which have led to disputes, and call for the improvement in the collective bargaining session.