What our aim should be as a union is a public system where all receive the benefits of direct employment, and that these working conditions are maintained and improved. We know that at this point in time, especially as one of the goals of the new system for directly hired ALTs is to encourage outsourcing and privatization, that the only group concerned about working conditions, and even the system of English education in public schools, is the union.

Our meeting will look at the findings to our national survey of boards of education and the central government’s response to us. Our hope is that this is the first step in creating a common front in the fight for decent working conditions for ALL of those working at boards of education.