posted 14 October 2004 10:13 AM
Just wanted to let babblers know about a recent victory for ESL teachers employed by Toronto District School Board.
ESL teachers, many of whom work irregular and split shift hours, have been forced in recent years to find their own replacements when they are sick. This is incredibly stressful -- people have frequently had to call a hundred people at the wee hours of the morning. During the recent work-to-rule campaign by TDSB's non-teaching staff, ESL teachers have forced management to find replacements.
And, surprise, surprise, managers find it hard work. Dispatchers have been hired.
From: Babylon, Ontario | Registered: Aug 2002
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Michelle
Moderator
Babbler # 560
posted 14 October 2004 10:24 AM
Imagine that. What idiots. Even when the work-to-rule thing is over with, that's one thing that the ESL teachers should ban together and refuse to do. That's not even "reasonable" extra work. When you're sick, you're sick. If you want to pay me to be your human resources department ON TOP of my salary, then maybe I'll consider finding a replacement for myself when I'm sick.
From: I've got a fever, and the only prescription is more cowbell. | Registered: May 2001
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lagatta
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 2534
posted 14 October 2004 10:26 AM
So glad to hear that!
I've taught ESL and FSL (and Italian) at language schools here - many of these private institutions treat staff like utter shit. Our prep time isn't included in our pay, making the real hourly earnings come out to little more than minimum wage. For such little and irregular pay, we are supposed to "dress professionally" when we travel to businesses and ministries. (Travel time is unpaid, of course). And it goes without saying, this is a job that requires a university degree in a related field.
I really enjoy language teaching; it is good to get out of the house and interact with humans directly, unmediated by the computer. But the conditions are dreadful. They are a bit better at boards of education, but still, ESL and FSL instructors have insecure, substandard working conditions.
From: Se non ora, quando? | Registered: Apr 2002
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paxamillion
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 2836
posted 14 October 2004 10:34 AM
Man, that's disgraceful. My ex is a full-time teacher and taught in the TDSB. If she was ill, I believe she had to phone her principal by 6am and that was it. "The system" did the rest.
From: the process of recovery | Registered: Jul 2002
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Wilf Day
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 3276
posted 14 October 2004 03:00 PM
quote:Originally posted by BLAKE 3:16: Dispatchers have been hired.
Really? Our local board has a highly efficient computer which keeps calling the supply list until it finds someone who clicks "accept."
[ 14 October 2004: Message edited by: Wilfred Day ]
From: Port Hope, Ontario | Registered: Oct 2002
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posted 14 October 2004 10:13 AM
