it seems many are frustrated, annoyed, enraged, or in some way bothered. i don't know if this is based purely on recent events or if general discontent is just slowly amassing. but it seems to be growing closer to reaching critical mass. its one thing to complain, but how are we complaining? wouldn't our complaints be more useful if we were constructive, and understanding to the point of view of the powers that be? in trying to understand them, can you imagine how difficult it would be for them to satisfy every teacher's individual complaints? and finally who are we complaining to? each other? we already know what we don't like.

perhaps it could be helpful to them if employees took it upon themselves to organize their complaints so those with the authority could hear them as one clear unified voice instead of the dull roar of a crowd. i have two assumptions that lead me to believe that this could be beneficial.

first, i honestly believe that the management are decent people who really do care about their employees.

second, altruism aside, i also believe that the management is aware of the benefits of a happy workforce.

so why not work together for a win-win? find out what the management's root cause is for the things that make us unhappy. then work with them to find a reasonable solution - understanding both sides. hopefully if we act as responsible adults and don't take their criticism too personally, they will listen to reasonable and constructive suggestions to meet thier concerns. i'd also like to stress that i don't use the words 'organize' or 'unify' with any militant or marxist connotation. people could unify and organize and try to "stick it to the man" and force them to make some change. but i think that road would be longer and more difficult - probably resulting in many lost jobs. lets not over-leverage ourselves. we are all replaceable if we make too many problems for them ('native speakers' included).

as nelson mandela said "If you want to make peace with your enemy, you have to work with your enemy. Then he becomes your partner."

That is sound enough...

"as nelson mandela said "If you want to make peace with your enemy, you have to work with your enemy. Then he becomes your partner."

but nelson mandela is an african.. and we are  no african... pinoy e2...  what has been applicable to

other culture may not be true to us.

Filipino work psychology is strange as it seems...  most of our texts in college have instructed us

based on books authored by foreigners with regards to their culture...

where does pinoy management fit in to this? 

A dialog with both parties would be great, arrange a meeting for those who have somethings to say and the person concerned. Make a lists of the issues you want to bring out on the meeting. Stay focus only to the main topic and discussions merely to solve the problem not to complain about the problem. An open mind and a positive attitude would be an advantage so that no uncertain reaction should arise. Be calm and compusure is an added help if you want the issues to be tackled peacefully with an outstanding result.