UCU sends its solidarity to teachers at the British Council Taiwan balloting over low pay

We have been shocked to learn that since the British Council Taiwan established its English teaching centre in 2004 and began hiring teachers to teach English, teachers' salaries have not been raised in 20 years. During that time, the cost of living in Taipei has increased by more than 25%.

We understand that in the last eight years, the British Council has significantly increased tuition fees by over 35%, while in the past five to six years, the British Council's profitability in Taiwan has far exceeded that of more than 80% of publicly listed companies in Taiwan.

It is a disgrace that the British Council is refusing to reinvest its substantial profits in the staff who deliver teaching and support learning.

We wish you all the very best in your strike ballot which we hope will move the British Council to negotiate meaningfully with the Taiwan Higher Education Union and meet the fair demands of teachers.

Solidarity!