Teachers stage demonstration

Teachers stage demonstration

PADANG, West Sumatra: Dozens of teachers are angered by the
government's decision to revoke a decree raising their employment
status from part-time to full-time.

The government's change of mind also means the teachers lose
their status as civil servants.

Thirteen of them staged a demonstration at the provincial
legislative council Monday, demanding the government rescind its
policy.

"We attained our civil servant status in 1994 after we passed
screening by security authorities," a teacher said.

Minelvis, a 35-year-old teacher who has worked in Sawahlunto
for a monthly wage of Rp 10,000 (US$4.2), took part in the noisy
protest with her baby.

The protesters said many of the teachers who have had their
civil servant status dropped remain part-timers although they
have served for over 10 years.

Councilors were sympathetic to the teachers' cause. They
promised to bring the teachers' plight to the attention of the
relevant government officials. (32)