Topic: Alternative to Unionization

[blackmail]

I think that it would be quite difficult for the foreign teachers to unionize in Thailand.  The pool of teachers is just too dirty; fake degrees, no teaching experience, and desperate to stay in LOS.  There is an alternative, though.  What if we all put on our resumes (on ajarn), that we will NOT work for less than 40,000 Thb per month in BKK, and we will not work for less than 35,000 Thb per month outside of BKK?  This will not cost us any dues, nor will we risk being arrested for congregating.  If the schools see that we are not willing to work for less, I believe the conditions will improve.  We could also, add to our resumes a statement like "I will not accept employment from a Hall of S___ school."  What do you think?

Best of luck to everyone:  Teachers (Thai and foreign), Administrators, and students!

[hero]

I think the problem would be this: for every qualified/experienced teacher that "priced themselves" above the current market rate, there would be a lesser qualified/experienced teacher currently struggling to find work that would take a job for less.  Despite that it is a good idea in principle.

Of course we are all free to say "I value myself at 45k and won't accept less!"  In the same manner when schools trying to recruit find that the best candidates will only work for a higher wage, they will have to choose between better teachers or lower salaries.

IME some schools are prepared to pay a little more for "better" teachers, others would take the cheaper teachers every time.

[Yanqui]

seems like a better plan. I wouldnt put the HOS reference in there though, better something like: "I will not work for any school that has been shown to have dishonored contracts or cheated or otherwise behave unprofessionally to foreign teachers".

Just a thought

Y

[bomha]

It would be professional to say, "I am seeking a job paying over $--,000 baht per month, in a professionally run school that has a proven track record of sound management, and proper support for TL, WP, and visas."

[hero]

It would only be rational I would have thought - I mean anything else would be irrational!

[Maipenlai]

blackmail,

  You bring up an excellent point. Since the Thais have revived this teacher certification/license issue there has been much concern. I viewed this as a coup for the teachers. The Thais are effectively doing for the foreign teachers what we have not done for ourselves. The idea that we all become card carrying members of an organization is a "union" of sorts. I have never been a member of a union but I do understand the concept.

The above assumes that the licensing uses fair and reasonable criteria which at this point remains to be seen. I have read in another forum ( TV ) that police background checks are now being added. In theory not a bad idea but do we trust these people with our information and how easily can we get it in the first place.

One of the reasons for the licensing process was to streamline the whole affair and not duplicate efforts when teachers switch or change employers. Another was to provide a baseline of minimum standards and to ensure that known bad elements are eliminated and vetted.

All of this ultimately would be good for teachers IF ( the biggest little word in English ) it is implemented in a fair and orderly fashion and in theory could possibly help the teacher salary issue.

I am not sure about salary demands you mention. This may clearly split the teaching community into two classes. People who are willing and can meet the criteria and those that don't.

Please do not infer that I am pro degree. Some of the very best teachers I have met here in six years were technically under qualified and I am pro teacher universally and have no desire to go down that road.javascript:void(0);
Grin

[brian_q]

There is an alternative, though.  What if we all put on our resumes (on ajarn), that we will NOT work for less than 40,000 Thb per month in BKK, and we will not work for less than 35,000 Thb per month outside of BKK? 

I tried this once... I put it on my resume on ajarn.com. I received calls for jobs paying much less than 40K and got so pissed at one call that I asked the guy (he was farang) if he could read.

Brian

[RobRoy]

How about a teacher's Manifesto.....

Teacher:  I promise to be professional ...ie, be on time, not leave class early, turn in my lesson plans as required and attend school events as required.

School: I promise to provide you with all of the proper documentation to work in Thailand...from a visa, work permit and if you stay long enough tax documentation.

Teacher:  I plan to teach with my best interests in mind for each and every student.
School: I understand we will not inform you of anything that is going to happen as far as special events and hope you understand.

Teacher:  I will do my everything thing I can to assist my co-teachers and expect them to do the same for me.

School: Hope the farangs remember the 1st rule...be professional.

Why worry about a union...unions are for people that can't take care of themselves and need others support.  You do a good job, support the people that support you and the question of unions becomes unimportant.  And besides can you imagine going to some government agency in Thailand to register your union....that would be really, really fun to listen to that conversation.

[anyonefortennis]

Rob, I think most people understand that starting a union would be more trouble than it's worth, however the idea of some kind of professional association that can offer support to members (legal advice, professional advancement, resettlement support, guidance etc.)is, although difficult to establish, a good idea. 

Your comments in the last paragraph go to show why Blackmail's idea could not work, too many people just don't give a fig about anyone else and are quite happy to shaft fellow teachers............I'm alright Jack!

Clearly you have had wonderful employers during your time in Thailand, that is not always the case, your statement that if "You do a good job, support the people that support you and the question of unions becomes unimportant" is complete bollocks, in many schools it matters little how good a job you do, and you'll often find that the people that you "supported" are the first ones to put the knife in your back.

[Pibthong]

   Too much of the time the foreign teachers are worse than the owners.