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VanESL
Joined: 29 Jan 2008 Posts: 3
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Posted: Thu Feb 07, 2008 7:16 pm Post subject: ESL Working Conditions |
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I am interested in hearing from anyone working in the private ESL industry about the conditions of the workplaces. I currently work at a large private ESL school in Vancouver. We had some difficulties in the past with some of the labour practices there until we unionized. Is there any interest in beginning a dialogue about this issue, and maybe doing something about it? |
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VanKen
Joined: 29 Oct 2003 Posts: 139 Location: Calgary, AB Canada
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Posted: Fri Feb 08, 2008 7:01 am Post subject: |
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What kind of difficulties did you experience? How did unionization improve things? I have worked for both types of schools in Vancouver. |
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VanESL
Joined: 29 Jan 2008 Posts: 3
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Posted: Fri Feb 08, 2008 3:24 pm Post subject: |
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We were subjected to a lot of ridiculous abuse from management, trying to keep us in line with market demands, ie what students supposedly wanted. We unionized about 8 years ago and right away things continued to be tough, as the managers kept up their old tricks. They had to be taught what their limits were, so there were a lot of grievances. Eventually things calmed down, the really bad managers were fired, and we have a much more reasonable manager now. But the union brought a lot of protection, and eventually (although it wasn't the main aim of organizing) our salaries and benefits, etc. began to improve. I think we have a pretty livable situation now. |
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VanESL
Joined: 29 Jan 2008 Posts: 3
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Posted: Fri Feb 08, 2008 3:25 pm Post subject: |
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What was your experience? |
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