KTU, MOEHRD on Collision Course

While the Korea Teachers and Education Workers Union (KTU) gearing up for a one-day strike on May 28 in protest against the government decision to introduce the National Education Information System, or NEIS, the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development (MOEHRD) said that it would hold accountable teachers involved in the collective action, moving toward a head-on collision with the progressive teachers` group.

KTU held a press interview at the gateway leading to Chong Wae Dae in Jongro, Seoul on May 20, and said it would go on a one-day strike on the 28th and refuse to use the controversial teachers and students database system.

“We held a member vote to decide whether to take a collective action in protest against NEIS,” said KTU. “78.8% (72,318) of members participated in the vote and 69.6% (49,387) were for the planned strike.”

KTU initially planned to go on a strike on May 23 but delayed the scheduled strike in line with MOEHRD`s decision to delay announcing whether to adopt the system.

“Now that the National Human Rights Commission also found NEIS against constitutional spirit,” said the teachers` union in a statement. “It will be a major crime for the ministry to push for introduction of the system.”

“We will not negotiate acceptance of the system,” said KTU spokesperson Song Won-jae. “It will lead to chaos if the ministry breaks its promise to follow NHRC`s recommendations.”

MODHRD, on its part, has decided to take due measures against the planned collective action after consulting with 16 local school authorities on May 20 so as to avoid disruption in teaching students. It is referring to the law to find out whether KTU`s refusal to use NEIS constitutes negligence or obstruction.

The ministry earlier citied or sent written warning to members of KTU, who participated in strikes in October and November 2001 and April last year by taking leaves en masse. “If KTU member try to boycott a government decision on school system using students as hostages,” said MOEHRD, “We will have to hold them accountable for their action.”

Meantime, in the early morning of May 20, 16 regional heads in KTU joined Won Young-man, chairman of KTU who has been on a hunger strike for five days.

Seong-Chul Hong sungchul@donga.com