Some 3,000 students from more than 20 secondary schools have boycotted their classes. Photo: Facebook
More workers and students join pro-democracy campaign
Social workers, factory hands and more students have joined the pro-democracy campaign.
Supported by their teachers, some 3,000 students from more than 20 secondary schools have boycotted their classes, the Hong Kong Economic Journal reported on Tuesday.
About 2,000 social workers and social work students have also declared a strike in support of the campaign to press for genuine universal suffrage, the report said, although hospital staff and caretakers for the elderly and those involved in emergency services were excused from joining the protests.
Meanwhile, 200 employees of Swire Coca-Cola HK Ltd. took to the streets in response to a call from the Hong Kong Confederation of Trade Unions.
Mass support for the campaign increased after police use of tear gas and pepper sprays on the demonstrators triggered widespread condemnation from the public.
Workers called for the resignation of Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying, saying he should be held responsible for the use of violence against the peaceful protesters.
Class boycotts have been reported in top schools such as Queen’s College, La Salle College and Queen Elizabeth School, as well as public schools like Sha Tin Government Secondary School and Tsuen Wan Government Secondary School.
CCC Ming Kei College has allowed its students to take part in the class boycotts or wear black clothes to school in support of the pro-democracy campaign.
Meanwhile, the Education Bureau said in a statement on Monday that it is a great pity to see the Hong Kong Professional Teachers’ Union supporting the class boycotts.
It called on teachers to stick to their posts and do their best to take care of the students, adding that they should prevent disturbances in schools.
It reminded parents to keep their children from leaving home to participate in activities that may break the law.
The bureau also said classes in all kindergartens, elementary and middle schools as well as special education schools in Wan Chai, Central and Western district remained suspended for the second day in a row on Tuesday amid the protests.
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Related:
Classes suspended in three districts amid protest
Secondary school students to join class boycott Friday
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