UNISON sends message of solidarity to South Korean education support workers

UNISON general secretary Dave Prentis has sent a message of solidarity in support of education support workers in South Korea.

The message reads:

“Solidarity message to our sisters and brothers in KPTU Education Solidarity Division from Dave Prentis general secretary of UNISON, the public service union in the United Kingdom (UK), representing over 1.3 million members.

“On behalf of UNISON, I would like to extend our best wishes to you in KPTU’s Education Solidarity Division as you undertake your campaign in defence of education support workers.

“Your campaign calling for legislation to protect decent working conditions and regular employment status for your members is one that resonates with us in UNISON. We represent 350,000 education support workers who work across education in the UK from pre-school to higher education.

“Recently a right-wing ‘think tank’ [policy development group] with links to the Conservative-led government eager to open up education to market competition launched an attack on teaching assistants as being an unnecessary cost, and called for them to be abolished. This is despite evidence showing that they play a vital role supporting teachers and children in the classroom which is highly valued by parents.

“We applaud your courage in the fight for better wages and working conditions and your right to job security. Solidarity is about standing together and standing up for the rights of working people.

“We in UNISON stand shoulder to shoulder with our sisters and brothers in Korea. Your fight is our fight. Your struggles are our struggles. Together we are stronger. Good luck in your campaign.”