A government spokesman said any further increase depended on a reduction in the budget allocation for military and security forces. While the 1999 budget cut back the allocation to the military and police, it still represented 33 percent of total government expenditure. Many teachers are forced to seek casual work. One university teacher said she worked part-time in the office of a construction company. I cannot depend on my government pay.
Many students are sympathetic to the teachers' action.
But if our teachers don't come back we'll demonstrate against the government. Hong Kong domestics take action again Several hundred Filipino domestic workers held a protest in Hong Kong's central district last Sunday to oppose a proposal by Urban Councillor Jennifer Chow Kit-bing to cut their minimal wage. One protestor said the wage reduction would have a terrible impact on her family in the Philippines. The needs of our families do not decrease and the prices back home are high, inflation is high. There are an estimated 170,000 Filipino workers in Hong Kong.