Thread: A call to arms

Isn't it about fucking time that we were payed more?

Isn't it time we told the agency to go fuck itself? Those wankers exploit us and the schools.

Calling all you teachers out there in TL. Start marketing yourself.

Hustle a bit more. Get more perks. Stand up for yourself.

Thanks for listening.

Chok dee.

Ah, but we don't really need to unify, we just need to, on an individual basis, STICK UP FOR AND BELIEVE IN OURSELVES!!!!

Let's have it...!!!!!

My saturday job just raised the rate from 750 to 800 cant complain, and the rate 7 years ago was 500 so some places are still allright.

AO, good stuff mate. I know from your previous posts that you have a knack of getting good gigs!

But at my own uni I am with you Nicky!! same OT rate as 17 years ago 400 per hour. If they raised it to 600 they would get what they should be getting out of their teachers.

I think my main point is that we, as a group of people, need to send a clear message to agencies and schools; we will fuck off to Japan and make some real money unless you start compensating us properly.

The word on the street amongst Thais should be that clever farang jump through hoops to live here and should therefore be compensated accordingly, as well as respected.

I know I'm probably repeating what others have said, and I know that there are hurdles in the way.

All I ask is this, next time you're asked to teach, by anyone, charge more than you think you should! I've been guilty in the past of buckling because of a sweet smile etc, but we should all be more aware of our talents and uniqueness.


Incidentally, how much do you charge privates? Be honest! I charge 800 baht an hour to teach a company up soi 63. I should have charged more....

Paid mate

You can't change Thailand mate, but I wish you all the best.

I sound like a naive twat I know, but I've always liked stiring things up a bit. Makes life more interesting.

I know what you mean (although I'm probably overpaid if anything), but it's an uphill battle mate.

But if you don't try I s'pose

You sensible poster you, but yeah you're right (initially I thought he meant a threat of mass exodus (is that the right word?)).

I usually say to newbies, get your foot in the door, make yourself indispensible (sp) and then knock for more cash/perks etc. Now if only I could take my own advice (although I did just get a 255.33 (recurring) Baht a month pay rise).

btw, i signed the contract knowing full well how much i would earn, and frankly, i don't come close to spending all of it....but if they are allowed to pay me more, i'd like to know

TIT ray, everything's negotiable.

There was a lot of debate years ago about a falang teaching union.

I just can't see it flying over here mate, it would be seen as antagonistic and confrontational by the local mandarins, and it'd just make them even more defensive. You must know how counter-productive it is to be up front about such issues in Thailand. Downright disrespectful that is.

Individual negotiations are still the way to go. I can see the merit in some sort of loose association resembling a union, but more as a support/ideas type thingy than anything else. It'd have to be much more stealthy and outwardly disingenuous than it's Western counterpart.....you know, Thai style.

BTW I completely agree with the OP that too many people sell themselves way short (we all do in a sense ). Don't be afraid to negotiate, and don't be afraid to put noses out of joint. :smile: