Respect for Teachers Diminishing

From the Korea Times:

There is nothing we can do as we are closed out of key discussions and decision making that could make the quality of education better. And we are forced to connect with our students only under a big, machine-like process that has the single purpose of sending them to a four-year college in Seoul, which makes our job similar to goal-oriented sports coaches

said high school teacher Huh. AMEN.

The ILO recognizes that the worsening social status of teachers and teaching is a global phenomenon. Education has been commodified, and teachers are service providers. Not happy with the service? Well then the teacher is responsible. The Ministry will happily provide you with a teacher evaluation form, rate her service as you see fit.

The irony of course is that teachers must, in the end, accept responsibility for what, why and how we teach. If we fail to organize, if we're unwilling to demand substantial structural changes in every area, then we will deserve the contempt of students and parents, and maybe even the occassional slap.

Note to staff reporter Kim Tong-hyung: the inclusion of KTU in stories like these would help the cause. KFTA, not so much.

Korean economists in denial

Owen, aka kotaji, left a great post over at Lenin's Tomb. As Angry Arab would say, read it NOW.

LIST OF WORKERS IMPRISONED DUE TO TRADE UNION ACTIVITIES

1. Yoo Ki Soo, KFCITU General Secretary.
Pohang Local Union Strike (August 9 Rally). Sentence: 2 years. On appeal.

2. Cho Ki Hyun, Daegu Local President.
Daegu Local Union Strike (June 2006), Extortion/Bribery in signing CBAs. Sentence: 3 years.

3. Kang Woo Seung, Daegu Local Member.
Daegu Local Union Strike (June 2006). Undergoing Trial.

4. Lee Ji Kyung, Pohang Local President.
Pohang Local Union Strike (Sit-down demonstration at POSCO). Sentence: 3 years and 6 months. On appeal.

5. Jung Eun Sik, Pohang Local First Vice President.
Pohang Local Union Strike (Sit-down demonstration at POSCO). Sentence: 2 years and 6 months. On appeal.


6. Jung Seung Jong, Pohang Local Vice President.
Pohang Local Union Strike (Sit-down demonstration at POSCO). Sentence: 2 years and 6 months. On appeal.

7. Kim Byung Kyul, Pohang Local First Organizing Director.
Pohang Local Union Strike (Sit-down demonstration at POSCO). Sentence: 2 years and 6 months. On appeal.

8. Sim Jin Bo, Pohang Local Second Organizing Director.
Pohang Local Union Strike (Sit-down demonstration at POSCO). Sentence: 2 years and 6 months. On appeal.

9. Kim Myung Seun, Pohang Local Strategic Director.
Pohang Local Union Strike (Sit-down demonstration at POSCO). Sentence: 2 years and 6 months. On appeal.

10. Kim Bong Tae, Pohang Local Campaign Director.
Pohang Local Union Strike (Sit-down demonstration at POSCO). Sentence: 2 years and 6 months. On appeal.


11. Kwon Young Dae, Pohang Local Campaign Leader.
Pohang Local Union Strike (Sit-down demonstration at POSCO). Sentence: 1 year and 6 months. On appeal.

12. Ji Kap Ryul, Pohang Local Vice President.
Pohang Local Union Strike. Sentence: 2 years and 6 months. On appeal.

13. Choi Kyu Man, Pohang Local General Secretary.
Pohang Local Union Strike. Sentence: 2 years and 6 months. On appeal.

14. Jin Nam Soo, Pohang Local Strategic Director.
Pohang Local Union Strike (August 17 Rally in Seoul). Sentence: 2 years. On appeal.

15. Byun Moon Soo, Remicon Truck Drivers Local Team Leader.
Woori Remicon Strike (2007). Undergoing Trial.


16. Han In Koo, Dump Truck Drivers Local Branch Director.
Pyeongtaek Demonstration. Undergoing Trial.

17. Chang Seuk Chul, Kyonggido Local First Vice-President.
Extortion, Bribery in Signing CBAs in Kyonggido Region. Undergoing Trial.

18. Jung Seung Hoon, Kyonggido Subu Local Organizer.
Extortion, Bribery in Signing CBAs in Chunahn Region. Undergoing Trial.

19. Park Hae Wook, Ulsan Local President.
Ulsan Local Union General Strike (April to June, 2005). Imprisonment. 2 years & 6 months.

20. Choi Seuk Young, Ulsan Local Union Delegate.
Ulsan Local Union General Strike (April to June, 2005). Imprisonment. 2 years & 6 months.


21. Kang Sang Kyu, Ulsan Local Union Member.
Ulsan Local Union General Strike (April to June, 2005) Imprisonment. 1 year & 6 months.

22. Kim Hyun Ho, Film Industry Union, KPSU Policy Director.
Protest Against the Tripartite Agreement. Sentence: 1 year.

23. Kwon Soo Jeung, Hyundai Motors Asan Subcontract Workers Local, KMWU Former President of Union Local.
Hyundai Motors Asan Subcontract Workers Union Struggle. Sentence: 8 months. On appeal.

24. Park Jung Hoon, Hyundai Hysco Irregular Workers Local, KMWU President of Union Local.
Hyundai Hysco Irregular Workers Union Struggle. Sentence: 1 year and 6 months.

25. Hwang Woo Chan, Korean Metal Workers’ Union, Chair of KMWU Pohang Branch.
Pohang Local Union Strike. Sentence: 2 years. On appeal.


26. Kim Moon Young, Korean Metal Workers’ Union, Union Delegate.
Pyeongtaek Demonstration. Sentence: 1 year and 6 months.

27. Hong Jin Seung, Korean Metal Workers’ Union, Union Delegate.
Pyeongtaek Demonstration. Sentence: 1 year and 6 months.

28. Kim Ki Young, Korean Metal Workers’ Union Organizing Director.
Anti-KORUS FTA demonstration. Undergoing Trial.

29. Kim Moon Seub, Korean Metal Workers’ Union, Union Delegate.
Anti-KORUS FTA demonstration. Undergoing Trial.

30. Bae Eon Gil, Korean Metal Workers’ Union Branch Director.
Anti-KORUS FTA demonstration. Undergoing Trial.


31. Ryu Bong Sik, Korean Metal Workers’ Union Former Organizing Director (Kwangju).
Anti-KORUS FTA demonstration. Undergoing Trial.

32. Yeon Jae Il, Korean Metal Workers’ Union, Fired Workers’ Union Struggle Director.
Protest Against the Tripartite Agreement. Sentence: One year and 6 months.

33. Kim Chang Geun, Korean Federation of Taxi Workers Union General Strike Campaign Director.
KCTU General Strike (November, 2006). Undergoing Trial.

34. Kim Mang Kyu, Korean Teachers and Education Workers Union Reunification Director.
National Security Law. Undergoing Trial.

35. Choi Hwa Seob, Korean Teachers and Education Workers Union Previous Reunification Director.
National Security Law. Undergoing Trial.


36. Hong Jong Seon, Korea Cargo Transport Workers Union, Union Member.
Jaechun Asia Cement Struggle. Sentence: 8 months.

37. Park Kyung Yeon Korea Cargo Transport Workers Union, Union Member.
JaeChun Asia Cement Struggle. Sentence: 8 months.

38. Seung Ki Seuk, Korea Cargo Transport Workers Union, Union Member.
KCTWU General Strike (December, 2006). Undergoing Trial.

39. Kim Dae Yoon, Korea Cargo Transport Workers Union, Union Member.
KCTWU General Strike (December, 2006). Undergoing Trial.

40. Kim Tae Sang, Korea Cargo Transport Workers Union, Union Member.
KCTWU General Strike (December, 2006). Undergoing Trial.


41. Park Jae Ho, Korea Cargo Transport Workers Union, Union Member.
KCTWU General Strike (December, 2006). Undergoing Trial.

42. Son Yong Choon, Korea Cargo Transport Workers Union, Union Member.
KCTWU General Strike (December, 2006). Undergoing Trial.

43. Lee Sang Deuk, Korea Cargo Transport Workers Union, Union Member.
KCTWU General Strike (December, 2006). Undergoing Trial.

44. Eom Ki Hyun, Korea Cargo Transport Workers Union, Union Member.
KCTWU General Strike (December, 2006). Undergoing Trial.

45. Choi Sang Jin, Korea Cargo Transport Workers Union, Union Member.
KCTWU General Strike (December, 2006). Undergoing Trial.


46. Lee Tae Jin, Korea Cargo Transport Workers Union, Union Member.
KCTWU General Strike (December, 2006). Undergoing Trial.

47. Cha Hyun Ho, Korean Chemical Textile Workers Federation General Secretary.
Keunkang Chemical Struggle. Undergoing Trial.

48. Hwang Chi Kyung, Korean Chemical Textile Workers Federation Union Member.
KCTU General Strike againt KOR-US FTA. Undergoing Trial.

49. Hwang Byung Seon, Korean Government Employees Union Previous Branch Director.
KGEU Campaign to stop forced closure of union office. Undergoing Trial.

50. Kim Byung Il, KCTU: Kyongbook Regional Branch, Branch Director.
Pohang Local Union Strike. Sentence: 2 years.


51. Lee Seung Geun, KCTU: Ulsan Regional Branch Organizing Director.
Protest of passage of Irregular Legislation. Undergoing Trial.

52. Kim Jong Soo, KCTU: Kangwon Regional Branch, Branch Director.
Anti KORUS FTA demonstration. Undergoing Trial.

53. Cho Han Kyung, KCTU: Kangwon Regional Branch Organizing Director.
Anti KORUS FTA demonstration. Undergoing Trial.

54. Kim Young Soo, KCTU: Kangwon Regional Branch Organizing Director.
Anti KORUS FTA demonstration. Undergoing Trial.

55. Kang Seung Chul, Fired Workers Union Previous Acting President.
Protest Against the Tripartite Agreement. Sentence: 1 year and 6 months.


56. Byun Wae Seung, Fired Workers Union Previous Executive Committee President.
Protest Against the Tripartite Agreement. Sentence: 1 year.

57. Park Sang Gil, Fired Workers Union Director of Organization.
Protest Against the Tripartite Agreement. Sentence: 1 year.

58. Kwak Young Soo, Fired Workers Union, Union Member.
Protest Against the Tripartite Agreement. Sentence: 1 year.

59. Kim Nam Myung, Fired Workers Union, Union Member.
Protest Against the Tripartite Agreement. Sentence: 1 year.

60. Lee Ki Woong, Fired Workers Union, Union Member.
Protest Against the Tripartite Agreement. Sentence: 1 year.


61. Kim Seung Hwan, Samsung Ilban Union President, Samsung Ilban Union Struggle.
Sentence: 3 years and 5 months.

Note: Kim Seung Hwan has been declared a political prisoner by Amnesty International.

Source: Korean Confederation of Trade Unions, January 2007

Well that's a bit strange, innit?

This has to be the most surreal bit of video I've ever seen ...

Private schools to remain fiefdoms

Surprise, surprise, Uri lawmakers have agreed to abandon their extremely modest gesture toward making the administration of private schools more transparent and accountable. This is bad news for teachers and students, but great news for GNP politicians, many of whom rely on "donations" from private school directors to fund election campaigns.

...

Note to Jung Sung-ki and the Korea Times: when combatants (e.g. sergeants in an occupying military force) are killed, they are NOT "victims of terrorism," even if it is sad. When NON-combatants are killed, THEY are victims of terrorism. You newspeaking weasel hacks.

Educational International protests the detention of unification teachers

EI sent a letter of protest this week to president Roh over the continuing confinement of two union teachers.

From EI, below are the posters that the Ministry of Love, sorry, the Ministry of Justice felt were a threat to National Security, paired with posters available on other sites in Korea:

On the left is a poster available at nk.chosun.com, a Chosun Ilbo site. On the right is a poster that the teachers uploaded. Maybe it's the glossy guns? The woman in uniform?

To the right are posters available at a Ministry of Education site, on the left are posters uploaded by the teachers. Attention spooks: I don't like any of these, I prefer propaganda from the Spanish Civil War.

When classes resume, I'll have students try to guess which posters are legal. Those who choose the wrong posters will be sent to the school dungeon, where they will think about their crime. Harsh, perhaps, but some of these kids want to be prosecutors, and they should learn something about how the system works.

EI sends letter of protest to Roh

Education International, the global federation of teachers unions, has issued a protest to president Roh. EI is responding to the use of police intimidation, as well as the government's continuing avoidance of meaningful dialogue.


[2007-02-22] Korea: Korea: government should involve teachers in social dialogue

EI has written to the President of the Republic of Korea, expressing its concern about the disciplinary action taken against the 430 teachers who publicly protested against the imposition of the teacher evaluation system.

The government has refused to involve teachers in the development and implementation of a teacher evaluation system, prompting widespread criticism from the teaching community.

The 430 teachers took leave and rescheduled their classes to voice their protest by assembling outside the Ministry of Education.

However, they were forcefully taken away by the police, and were forced to accept financial penalties.

EI affiliate the Korean Teachers and Education Workerts Union - Jeongyojo communicated to EI that when the disciplinary committees of district education offices convened on 25 January, the teachers were refused the right to respond to the charges. Jeongyojo also reported police intimidation and the summary dismissal of the committees while teachers were delivering statements.

In its letter dated 21 Feb, EI asked the Government of Korea to involve teacher unions in the preparation and implementation of all education policies, and the penalty imposed on the 430 teachers be lifted.

Below is the content of EI's letter in English:

-----------------------------

H.E. Mr Noh Moo-hyun
President of the Republic
Korean Presidential House
Chongwadae
Seoul
Republic of Korea

By fax: +82-2-770-4937

Brussels, 21 February 2007

Dear Mr President,

Education International – the global union federation of teachers representing over 30 million members in 169 countries which has the Korean Teachers and Education Workers Union, KTU or JeonGyoJo, as one of its affiliates – is very concerned about the lack of social dialogue and attempts by the Korean authorities to restrain the activities of the teacher union.

Education International is alarmed by the disciplinary action of the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development against 430 teachers who assembled to publicly protest against the imposition of the teacher evaluation system. This action was prompted by the refusal of the Ministry to involve the teacher union in the development and implementation of the teacher evaluation system.

Social dialogue is a cornerstone of democracy. Korea, as a member of the tripartite International Labour Organisation, is well aware that workers’ organisations (including teacher unions and associations) need to be consulted. The main goal of social dialogue is to promote consensus building and democratic involvement. "Successful social dialogue structures and processes have the potential to resolve important economic and social issues, encourage good governance, advance social and industrial peace and stability and boost economic progress," states the ILO.

Education International shares KTU's concern that the Ministry of Education developed a teacher evaluation system without input from teacher representatives. As education policies shape the present reality and future opportunities of students, these policies must be implemented only after careful, considered, and comprehensive discussion.

The Republic of Korea ratified ILO Convention 135 on Workers' Representatives which states "Workers' representatives shall enjoy effective protection against any act prejudicial to them, including dismissal, based on their status or activities as a workers' representative or on union membership or participation in union activities, in so far as they act in conformity with existing laws or collective agreements or other jointly agreed arrangements."

On the basis of the information provided by the KTU, Education International believes that the 430 teachers have respected the law of the country: they applied for legal holiday and rescheduled their class so that there would be no disruption of the school timetable. The disciplinary action against them, in the form of financial penalties, can be considered as unfair labour practice.

In addition, when the disciplinary committees of district education offices convened on 25 January, teachers were refused the right to respond to charges. KTU also reported police intimidation and the summary dismissal of the committees while teachers were delivering statements.

Education International invites the Government of Korea to authorise collective action by the teacher unions as long as the national law and Korea's international labour commitments are respected.

Education International respectfully asks the Government of Korea to involve teacher unions in the preparation and implementation of all education policies. Education International also asks that the financial penalty imposed on 430 teachers be lifted.

Education International sincerely trusts that this message is one your Government can support.

Sincerely yours,

Fred van Leeuwen
General Secretary

You WILL kneel before my god

More evidence of the political power of the directors of private school foundations, if more evidence were needed.

Update on detained teachers

A judge rejected a union application for a review of the legality of the confinement, and sent the teachers to Seoul Prison. National Security triumphs. The union is suing the Chosun Ilbo for libel.

Economic theory as taught in high schools?

Today I learned something rather revealing from students in my discussion group.

Apparently, first year students attending the elite Gyeongju High School get some odd ideas from their economics teacher. They learn that:

Adam Smith was a libertarian,

a mixed economy is one where governments "referee" producers,

government intervention is the sole cause of "market failures,"

Marx failed to anticipate technological advances, and

a "free market" is the best way to achieve equality!

When this last bit was revealed, I could no longer contain my hilarity, and was forced to apologize to a very sincere young man for interrupting his introduction to the wondrous merits of capitalism.