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)