Workers Struggles: Asia, Australia and the Pacific


WSWS
14 November 2009


Asia

Chinese private school teachers strike

Hundreds of private school teachers in Chengdu City, Sichuan walked off the job for two days on November 5 over low pay and unhealthy working conditions. The teachers have not had a pay rise since 2002 when the former state schools were privatised and taken over by the Derui Group, whose chairman Yan Yude is one of the wealthiest men in China.

The highest paid teachers only earn $US368 per month—much less than comparable teachers in the state sector. Teachers also complained that they work in unsafe and rat-infested buildings. Pupils and parents rallied at the schools to support the teachers, complaining of unhealthy conditions and “sub-standardâ€